Governor Wes Moore has declared August 31 International Overdose Awareness Day in Maryland, honoring those who have died from overdoses and highlighting the state’s efforts to expand prevention, treatment and recovery services.
Flags have been lowered to half-staff across the state, and Government House will be illuminated purple Sunday evening in remembrance of those who have died.
According to the Moore administration, fatal overdoses in Maryland have been cut in half over the past three years. The state says it continues to invest in evidence-based treatment, prevention programs and resources intended to make substance use care more accessible.
“Today, we honor the memories of those taken from us too soon, and reaffirm our commitment to supporting Marylanders on their paths to substance use recovery,” Moore said. “But we still have work to do, and we will not rest until every Marylander has access to care.”
Maryland distributed more than 460,000 doses of naloxone, also known as Narcan, last year, marking the seventh consecutive year of record distribution. The overdose-reversal medication is available free through more than 300 Overdose Response Programs across the state.
International Overdose Awareness Day is observed annually on August 31 to remember those lost to overdose, support grieving families and raise awareness about overdose prevention, treatment and recovery.
