April 16th, 2021 by WCBC Radio
Following the release of new data from the Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center (OOCC) showing a significant increase in the number of overdose deaths in Maryland in 2020- Congressman David Trone is calling for immediate action. Overdoses throughout the state increased by 18.7%, while Western Maryland experienced a 45.9% increase in overdose deaths. The Maryland Democrat said that this latest report confirms his worst fears- that COVID-19 has taken a significant toll on Marylanders of every demographic living with substance use disorder, especially those in Western Maryland. Trone, who lost a nephew to opioid abuse in 2016, said the consequences of this pandemic are real and long-lasting, and now is the time to double down on our efforts to help those who need it. He said the latest numbers are alarming…