Important steps you can take to prevent overdose

In 2018, 888 people in Baltimore lost their lives to overdose. They were friends, parents, children, and valued members of our community. Most of the overdoses were due to opioids, especially fentanyl. If you or a loved one uses drugs, there are important steps you can take to prevent overdose.

Practice harm reduction and take steps to reduce the risk of overdose:

• Learn to recognize the signs of an overdose.
• To reduce the risk of overdose:
  • Always carry naloxone
  • Don’t use alone
  • Go slow
  • Test your drugs. Most overdoses in Maryland involve fentanyl. Get fentanyl test strips and/or drug testing kits to reduce risk. 

Baltimore Harm Reduction Resources:

• Bmore POWER is a grassroots harm reduction group that is part of BHSB that provides street outreach, naloxone and information to at risk communities in Baltimore. 
• The Baltimore City Health Department has a Community Risk Reduction Van that offers needle exchange services, naloxone, fentanyl test strips and other harm reduction resources. Find additional information on the Staying Alive Don’t Die website.
• Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition providers harm reduction resources and mobilizes community members to advocate for the health, dignity and safety of people targeted by the war on drugs. 
• Charm City Care Connection is a recovery and wellness center that offers drop in support for people who use drugs. They also offer free syringe delivery anywhere in Baltimore, call (301) 615 2193 to learn more.

Call 911 if you witness an overdose:

Under Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law if you help someone who is overdosing:

• You cannot be arrested or charged for possession of small amounts of drugs, paraphernalia or providing alcohol to minors.
• Your parole and probation status will not be affected.
• You MUST be helping the individual who is overdosing for this law to apply to you.