Officials report decline in overdose deaths in Md. in 2019

SALISBURY, Md. – Late last week, the Opioid Operational Command Center and the Maryland Department of Health released their 2019 annual report, which showed a decline in statewide overdose fatalities compared to the previous year.

Officials say this is the first time in over a decade that the number of overdose fatalities declined in the state of Maryland.

Locally, Wicomico County saw a decline in 29, with 29 lives lost due to opioid related overdoses. This is down one person from the 30 overdose deaths in 2018.

“Even though we saw a decrease in opioid related overdose deaths, one death is too many, and we will continue our efforts to address the epidemic here in Wicomico County in hopes that more lives will be saved moving forward”, said Health Officer Lori Brewster.

Since opening on August 1, 2019, the Wicomico County Safe Station has successfully linked more than 140 individuals to the treatment and recovery services of their choice.