On March 5, Policy Fellow Charlotte Fleckenstein testified before the Health and Government Operations Committee in support of HB 1131 – Public Health – Buprenorphine – Training Grant Program and Workgroup.
This bill establishes the Buprenorphine Training Grant Program to assist counties with offsetting the cost of training paramedics to administer buprenorphine. Additionally, HB 1131 requires the Maryland Office of Overdose Response (MOOR) to convene a workgroup to study access to buprenorphine in the State.
Establishing this program and its workgroup will assist counties – who are on the front lines of the opioid crisis – with offsetting the cost of training paramedics to administer Buprenorphine. As the opioid crisis continues to take a devastating toll on Maryland communities, this bill provides a much-needed tool to expand effective, life-saving interventions by ensuring that first responders have the resources to provide critical care.
This legislation represents a significant step forward in Maryland’s ongoing battle against the opioid crisis, ensuring that first responders have the necessary resources to provide life-saving care. Buprenorphine, also known as Suboxone, is an evidence-based medication for opioid use disorder that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while stabilizing brain chemistry. Access to this medication at the moment of crisis—particularly when administered by trained paramedics—can be pivotal in an individual’s path to recovery.
HB 1131 was heard in the opposite chamber, the Finance Committee, on March 25. MACo submitted written testimony in support of this bill.
More on MACo’s Advocacy:
