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MD General Assembly Passes Legislation To Bolster Public Health Approach To Opioid Epidemic

April 24th, 2017 by WCBC Radio

As deaths from drug overdoses increase across the state and nation, the Maryland General Assembly this month passed legislation to bolster the state’s public health approach to the opioid epidemic with overwhelming bipartisan support. The legislative package, endorsed by the Maryland General Assembly House Opioid Workgroup, will combat the opioid epidemic by increasing treatment access, prevention efforts, and public awareness and education. The legislation establishes a 24/7 Health Crisis Hotline and a network of crisis treatment centers for substance use disorders; and  will require public schools to provide education programs on substance use disorders and train personnel to respond to an opioid overdose. A separate bill will require DHMH to compile a list of accredited recovery residences which is easily accessible online.  Senate President Mike Miller said Maryland is on the cutting edge when it comes to battling what is now a national crisis…





 

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