Overdose Prevention

Overdose Prevention in Baltimore

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:

Narcan Nasal Spray: Naloxone
Photo: YouTube/Narcan

Call 911 for help with an overdose

If you are helping with an overdose, it’s best to call 911 for medical help – even if you’ve administered naloxone. 

When you call to 911 to help someone who is overdosing, The Good Samaritan Law offers some protections.

The Good Samaritan Law DOES:

  • Apply to you, even if you are on probation, parole or pre-trial release
  • Protect against arrest and prosecution for some misdemeanors, including:
    • Possessing or using drugs/drug paraphernalia 
    • Providing alcohol to minors
    • Underage possession of alcohol
  • Protect the person overdosing from prosecution 

The law DOES NOT:

  • Protect other people at the scene if they aren’t helping with the medical emergency
  • Protect against open warrants
  • Protect you based on your immigration status

Learn more:

 

Baltimore Harm Reduction Resources: