During the 2017 MACo Summer Conference panel “Attacking the Opioid Epidemic: A Collaborative Approach” attendees learned about the ways counties are utilizing a collaborative approach in the fight against the opioid crisis in Maryland. A collaborative approach inspires all stakeholders—across the boundaries of criminal justice, public health, and human services—to act as a single, integrated community and point the way toward powerful new solutions.

Clay Stamp, Executive Director – Opioid Operational Command Center, Maryland Emergency Management Agency provided an overview of the opioid epidemic in Maryland and discussed how his team has been working with local governments to provide resources critical for combatting the crisis on a local level.

Kevin Aftung, President, MACo Emergency Managers Affiliate, discussed how Anne Arundel County has mobilized opioid intervention teams at the county level and in the City of Annapolis. These teams are providing essential resources for fighting the opioid epidemic on a local level. Mr. Aftung also gave an overview of the county’s “safe station” initiative. The initiative allows any individual suffering from a heroin/opioid addiction to go to the Annapolis Police Department, any Annapolis or Anne Arundel County Fire Station, or any Anne Arundel County Police Station to seek help. Individuals seeking assistance are required to drop any needles and paraphernalia into a sharps collection container available at each location. If the individual is in possession of any illegal drugs, the appropriate police agency will be notified for disposal purposes only. Mr. Aftung also shared that the county is working on developing a “beds available” software app that would help people find available treatment beds in the county.

Nancy Schrum, Director, Office of Constituent Services, Anne Arundel County, talked about the resources Anne Arundel County has made available to their citizens, including education, prevention, and treatment for opioid use and abuse. Of note, Ms. Schrum discussed the Not My Child” program, a multi-agency, collaborative initiative to promote awareness of opioid and addiction issues to parents, educators, and the community.

Jeff Amoros, Legislative Director, Baltimore City Health Department, gave a presentation that included Baltimore City’s plan of action for addressing the opioid epidemic. Jeff discussed both legislative and community initiatives being implemented across the City.

The session was moderated by Delegate Erek Barron and was held on Friday, August 18, 2017.