Resources in

Maryland

In 2020, there were 2799 identified unintentional overdose deaths in Maryland.

If you are a person who uses drugs or if you are around people who use drugs, please consider learning how to respond to an opioid overdose and carrying naloxone (intranasal brand name: Narcan). Naloxone is a medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose. Opioids slow down the activity of the central nervous system. This can cause slowed or stopped breathing which may lead to death. Naloxone displaces the opioids from the opioid receptors in the brain which allows the person who is experiencing an opioid overdose to begin breathing normally. We have a helpful FAQ and are constantly updating it with questions from our site visitors. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, let us know.

Get NALOXONE MAILED TO YOU

If you are a Maryland resident and likely to be a layperson first responder to an opioid overdose emergency, you may be able to receive free naloxone by mail.

PHARMACY-BASED NALOXONE ACCESS

Most pharmacies in the state carry naloxone and it is covered by most insurances. We suggest you call ahead and inquire about the copay before visiting.

HRT Injection Supplies by Mail

Maryland residents who inject hormones may be able to receive syringes for intramuscular and subcutaneous injections by mail. This service is meant to address a gap in syringe distribution specifically for the needs of trans/non-binary/gender-expansive people in the state.

Overdose Response Trainings

A number of health departments and community based organizations provide opportunities for in person and virtual trainings, such as Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition and Bmore POWER. Call your local health department to learn more about overdose response trainings.

MARYLAND’S GOOD SAMARITAN LAW

In the state of Maryland, any person assisting in an overdose emergency can do so without fear of prosecution due to possession of a dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, or providing alcohol to a minor. It is still possible to be arrested and you may still be prosecuted for other charges.

syringe service PROGRAMS

Many Maryland harm reduction programs provide not only syringe and Naloxone access but some also have nurses and ancillary services on site as well. Use this interactive map to see what options are near you. If you are a person who uses drugs in Maryland and you are unable to access clean syringes through pharmacies, syringe exchange programs or online marketplaces like OTCwholesale.com, please reach out to NEXT for assistance.

MARYLAND CRISIS HELPLINE

Maryland’s Crisis Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can utilize the helpline for information about naloxone access, drug treatment, suicide prevention, mental health resources, or just to talk.

Call 2-1-1 and press 1, or text your ZIP code to 898-211.

Here2help hotline - BHSB

Behavioral Health Systems Balitmore has a 24/7 hotline available called Here2Help hotline that can connect you to various resources as well as someone to talk to during a crisis.

Call 410-433-5175.

BALTIMORE-BASED ORGANIZING

BRIDGES Coalition is a grassroots coalition working to end overdose and criminalization by promoting safe spaces, dignity, health, and justice for people who use drugs in Baltimore City and Maryland.

Maryland Peer Advisory Council

MPAC is a peer run advocacy council for individuals, families, allies, faith-based, community members and supporters who advocate on local, state and legislative levels to address, support and influence social change with actionable efforts for recovery.

DRUG USER ORGANIZING

The Urban Survivors Union is a national drug users union mobilizing against the war on drugs. Check out their wealth of resources including #reframetheblame a campaign against drug induced homicide laws.