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Trone reacts to troubling data in latest opioid crisis report

September 23rd, 2020 by WCBC Radio

The Opioid Operational Command Center and the Maryland Department of Health have released their report on the opioid crisis in Maryland for the second quarter of 2020. The second-quarter report outlines continued increases in opioid- and other substance use-related fatalities in Maryland. It is now clear that the coronavirus pandemic has created conditions that are driving increased substance misuse across the state and elsewhere. Western Maryland, which includes Allegany, Garrett, , and Washington Counties, reported a 48.1 percent regional increase, with 80 fatalities in the first six months of 2020. Washington County led the region with 57 reported opioid-related deaths. All three counties in the region experienced similar growth rates, ranging from a 46.2 percent increase to an increase 53.8%  in Allegany County. Sixth District Congressman David Trone, who visited Cumberland this week, has made addressing the opioid crisis one of his top priorities since taking office…