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Health department says naloxone distribution and harm‑reduction efforts tied to lower opioid deaths, urges continued investment
Summary
Health officials presented opioid overdose trends for Calvert County and Maryland, said the county distributed more than 3,900 naloxone kits annually through its overdose response program, and reported a recent year‑over‑year drop in fatal opioid overdoses; staff called for ongoing support for prevention and treatment linkage.
Jennifer Moreland, director of Community Resources, introduced a follow‑up presentation on opioid overdoses and naloxone distribution. Dr. Tanisha Mora of the Calvert County Health Department walked the board through statewide and county data, noting that fentanyl is the leading cause of recent opioid deaths. "Naloxone is a very important emergency medication that can be used... to treat the life threatening effects of an opioid overdose," Dr. Mora said, describing intranasal naloxone (Narcan) and its role in restoring breathing.
Dr. Mora told commissioners that the county’s overdose response program distributed more than 3,900 naloxone kits per year through community outreach and that the health department has observed a recent decrease in fatal opioid overdoses; the presenter cited a 56% reduction in the last year. Commissioners asked about data limitations (unreported uses of naloxone, hospital reporting) and the presenter cautioned that kit distribution numbers are not the same as confirmed uses or lives saved. The health department recommended continued funding for education, naloxone distribution, harm‑reduction outreach and linkage to treatment.
