The number of fatal and non-fatal overdoses has been on the decline in Harford County during the past year, according to data from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.

There were 303 reported overdoses between January and November 2023 in the county, but only 186 during the same period this year — a decrease of 38.6%, according to a November overdose report from the sheriff’s office. This equates to an average of 16.9 overdoses per month.

“Across the state, law enforcement agencies are seeing decreases in heroin overdoses,” said Cristie Hopkins, director of media and public relations for the sheriff’s office. “This is the same for Harford County Sheriff’s Office.”

The number of confirmed fatal overdoses has decreased in the county by 72.7%, from 55 overdoses in an 11-month span in 2023 to 15 in that same 11-month span this year.

The percentage of victims who have repeatedly overdosed also declined by more than 50% from 2023 to 2024. Harford County reported 57 repeat victims in 2023 but only 25 by the end of November this year, a decrease of 56.1%.

Hopkins said that the sheriff’s office introduced several programs and initiatives aimed at preventing overdoses soon after Sheriff Jeff Gahler was first elected in 2014. For example, all officers are required to carry naloxone, commonly referred to by the brand name Narcan, and are required to provide information to victims about treatment resources around the county. This information is printed on cards that officers carry with them.

The sheriff’s office also has two mobile classrooms, known as “CORE” (Community Outreach Effort) and “HOPE” (Heroin Overdose Prevention Effort), which aim to educate the public about warning signs of substance use and addiction. These trailers can be booked for public events, and those interested can email CommunityPolicing@harfordsheriff.org.

In past summers, the sheriff’s office has hosted a “Pledge Program,” which is a drug awareness camp offered to children ages 8-11. The program aims to teach youth how to deal with peer pressure and what coping skills they can use instead of turning to drugs, according to the camp’s flier. Campers receive a certificate upon completion.

The Harford County Health Department distributes naloxone and fentanyl test strips at locations around the county, according to department spokesperson Ronya Nassar. A full map can be found at https://health.maryland.gov/pha/NALOXONE/Pages/Approved-Entities.aspx.

The department’s Harm Reduction Resources Guide offers a full list of treatment programs around the county. The department itself offers weekly group and individual therapy sessions and sessions that teach medication management.

Anyone in urgent need of Narcan can call 410-877-2341 and ask for the Harford County Health Department Harm Reduction Program.

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