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2016 Maryland third-quarter overdose death data report released

December 29th, 2016 by WCBC Radio

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has posted to its website the third-quarter 2016 data report of fatal overdoses. According to preliminary data, from January to September, Maryland saw 1,468 deaths related to overdose. The report is posted at https://goo.gl/oNlvlz

“This epidemic continues to cut across all demographics and communities,” said Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “All Marylanders need to know they can find treatment options for substance use disorders at MdDestinationRecovery.org. To not seek help for a drug problem now is to risk death. Please seek help now.”

 

The data show how fentanyl and heroin continue to drive the overdose scourge – whether Marylanders are taking only those opioids or are mixing them with other substances. Some users think they are buying heroin, long known for its fatal-overdose risk, and are actually buying even deadlier fentanyl, which is several times more potent. In January, Health and Mental Hygiene issued a warning about such fentanyl consumption driving the overdose trend. The department continues to repeat that warning.

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