image description

Hogan Appoints New Leadership of Opioid Operational Command Center

June 23rd, 2021 by WCBC Radio

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that he has named Robin Rickard to serve as executive director of the state’s Opioid Operational Command Center (OOCC). Rickard, the center’s deputy director, has served as acting director since April, when Steve Schuh was named Deputy Secretary of Health Care Financing and Medicaid for the Maryland Department of Health.

The Opioid Operational Command Center facilitates collaboration between state and local public health, human services, education, and public safety entities to reduce the harmful impacts of opioid addiction on Maryland communities.

“Here in Maryland, we have been shining a spotlight on the heroin and opioid crisis, which has become even more acute during the pandemic,” said Governor Hogan. “This is more than just a healthcare crisis, it is tearing apart families and communities. Robin has dedicated her career to solving these problems, and she is passionate about public service. At this critical moment in the fight against the opioid epidemic, we are fortunate to have Robin coordinating our frontline efforts to save lives.”

“I want to thank Governor Hogan and Lt. Governor Rutherford for this amazing opportunity,” said Rickard. “I am honored to continue the great work of former Executive Director Steve Schuh. Anyone who knows me either personally or professionally knows that saving lives of individuals who suffer from substance use disorder has been a passion of mine for over a decade. I am looking forward to working with all of our state and local partners to take on a more aggressive approach in bringing our fatality numbers down. One life lost is too many.”

In addition, Marianne Gibson, the center’s director of planning and state partner coordinator, will succeed Rickard as deputy director.