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Good to see you, as always.
So we did see a reduction in the use Fentanyl and by all accounts the treatment was working and unfortunately 2020 happened and unfortunately we saw fatalities for opioids and alcohol and unintentional deaths increase by 18%. The Coronavirus pandemic forced many of us to deal with a number of new and significant, economic hardships, trauma, and social isolation. For more than a year we have struggled with these overwhelming circumstances that took us away from family, friends, co-workers and others in our community. Those struggling with substance use disorders were disconnected from treatment, from their support networks that have always been integral to their recovery. This data being released today by the Opioid Operational Command Center and the Department of Health shows the impact that the pandemic had in 2021. From January through March we saw a 5.7% increase in opioid-related fatalities, and seeing the increase in these deaths in our state, it is alarming. It shows that we have a long way to go to address the issue of opioid usage, abuse and fatalities, so as the crisis has evolved so much our response.
Our administration remains committed to putting resources and support services in place at every level to help those struggling with substance use disorder. The Maryland Stop Overdose Strategy is a new layer in our state wide response and we are determined to do everything we can to reduce overdoses in our state. At the beginning of the fiscal year $4 million will be given to each country and Baltimore City to address the needs and combat this epidemic. Decisions about that funding and in terms of where that funding will go will be made at the local level by the intervention teams who understand the unique needs of their communities. Initiatives are in line with the priorities and goals of the Maryland Interagency Coordination Plan. Here in the county Baltimore country they will be using those for harm reduction and treatment. We are continuing the conversation with Marylanders about what they feel is needed to help their communities amidst this crisis and to save lives and to address those struggling with the disease of addiction. Beginning in August state and local leaders will be hosting Maryland SOS town halls to address the hardest hit areas of our state.
We want to hear directly from Marylanders so we can better understand what we are working with, what may not work as well. The heroin and opioid emergency task force which I chaired a couple of years ago employed a similar model for regional meetings and we were able to gain insights from individuals on the ground in terms of challenges they were facing in different parts of the state.
The experiences that those Marylanders have shared helped to guide our thinking and decision making as we mapped out a new process for tracing the issues of addiction. Now, we have a new tool available to us, the Opioid Restitution Fund, a fund that was established in 2019 and it’s funds that Maryland received as part of legal action related to the opioid crisis. Maryland received $12 million earlier this year and it’s only right that we utilize that funding to address the needs of those who are suffering from opioid addiction.
The state’s approach to combatting substance misuse and the growing number of overdose deaths is truly an all-hands-on-deck approach, requiring us not only to address the problem but look at the underlying causes and effects that may not always be considered. The Opioid Operational Command Center and the Maryland Department of Headlight are working on data-informed overdose risk mitigation, or DORM, and this will help us see what interactions folks have at the state and local level and Director Rickard will have more on this and I am hoping this will allow us to address gaps and services and connect individuals in a meaningful way that saves lives. From 2017 to be 2019 deaths connected to opioid it decreased for non-Hispanic white Marylanders, however for African American Marylanders, deaths increased by 40%. This stark differences presents data that drives home the systems that we put in place to reduce opioid-related deaths for everyone is not reaching everyone. The new task force is investigating factors that can contribute to these as well as what we can do to address inequities. I look forward to learning more about the program and the progress of the findings during our next council meeting in July.
As I conclude these long remarks, I would like to emphasize that what we are experiencing now is really the tail end of the pandemic. We don’t fully — I should say we won’t fully understand the true toll of COVID-19 for a while in terms of its impact on our mental, physical, and emotional health. In 2021 we have made significant strides to reduce barriers, increase access to care for those with mental and behavioral health issues, including substance use disorder. The administration expanded healthcare provider options for Marylanders, and kept telehealth options in place for many and many of you already know the 24-hour help line to help those struggling with mental health issues at 211 where you can get critical information and resources to help you with situations that you may find yourself in.
All of this is key to improving the safety, quality of life and overall well-being of our citizens. So, again, I want to thank you for being here during that time.
Together, we can continue to combat the addiction, we can save lives and strengthen our communities. Appreciate the opportunity.
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It’s answered by peers, not a dispatch, a call line, it’s answered with a peer that can provide services or if not, provide services to connect them. One thing we don’t do is we hear about meeting them there. We do. The most important thing we do is that we don’t leave them there and to continue the services no matter where they are from and where they are in that process. The dispatch model is answered from the community. We have peers, we have the — the county has provided us with four county cars for our 12 peers to be out in the community with green shirts, be out in the community. If somebody needs support, the peers can go immediately and engage that person, get them into treatment, have a talk, support them to a wide range of services and conversations. An important thing about recovery is that we come from experience and that’s the important thing. When I pick someone up at the center and transport them to the recovery house, the most important thing is the half hour in the car with them. We become friendly and keep that connection so the peers, that’s what we do. The REACH line has had TV commercials and people have been calling, I didn’t know this was here. So we are asking all of your support to promote that as much as possible. Let people know we are here to support them at any given time. Peer Recovery Support Specialists, we tell them we’re counselors, we are support advocates, and I believe that you can do this. We are here to support you, we tell them that. We are responsible to you but not for you. We will walk with you. I assure you, if I can do it, you can do it and that is no doubt. It is extremely possible to recover and live well and get well for long periods of time for mental health as well, it is proven, it is possible, it takes time and patience and we walk with them. We talk about how you eat an elephant, one bite at a time. We do that with them.
All of the things going o they want to solve everything going on. We figure out a system, and how it worked for me when I got together with a peer recovery specialist in 2013, they helped me take one thing at a time and helped me to stay focused. When I did fall back a little bit they reminded me how I succeeded, didn’t penalize me, said “I understand” I can help you. And so we look for what has happened and focus on what’s going on right now. I really appreciate all your support and continued support. We will be looking for your support continual and we are here. The REACH line, please, don’t hesitate to — we have flyers back there and it kind of gives you information, it’s 88-REACH, REACH stands for recovery, education, advocacy, community, and health. Thank you.
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Additionally we are in the process of reviewing over 90 proposals for our competitive grants program. Our grant scoring committee is exhausted right now but are currently reviewing proposals for all the projects and they are designed to reduce opioid morbidity and mortality across the state. Between these programs we will distribute $10 million over the next year to help meet the urgent needs across Maryland. We will announce the awardees once the committee has completed their work so stay tuned. Lastly just to repeat what the Lt. Governor said if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance use disorder, please, please, contact your local health department, call 211 or text 898-211. There are so many caring, passionate and hard-working people who want to help you or your loved one because one life lost is too many. Before I conclude I want to give a thank you to the administration for your leadership and commitment to the opioid crisis as well as the mental health and also a special thank you to my OOCC team. I know they are all here and I’m honored to work with you and your dedication is very much appreciated. Fentanyl is a strong and dangerous drug and too many people have died. Together with our state, local and community partners we are going to deep fighting this fight. Fentanyl is strong but we are Maryland and us Marylanders are stronger and we’re going to win. That conclude remarks. Thank you for joining us today.
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