MD: Officials release 2018 third quarter fatal overdose data

SALISBURY, Md. –  Meanwhile officials with the Maryland Department of Health released a troubling report Wednesday regarding the recent amount of overdose deaths in the state. Officials say over the past nine months, beginning in January of  2018, there’s been a 10% increase in in fentanyl and cocaine related deaths. And while heroin and prescription opioid-related deaths continue to decline, local health experts say that the state is still in trouble.
And in order to fix this, officials say there needs to be a push for more treatment and recovery programs in order to see a change.
“I think something that would be valuable is for the state to look at these deaths of these Marylanders and to see how many of them that died were in treatment, but in treatment in pill mills verses how many of the people that died, were in true treatment programs,” said Executive Director for Peninsula Mental Health Services in Salisbury, Doctor Michael Finnegan.

Officials add that if you are looking for help– or are struggling with a substance use disorder visit here: https://beforeitstoolate.maryland.gov/ to find the best treatment options.