International Overdose Awareness Day had cities all over the world, including Baltimore, struggling to save lives and fight addiction.
In 2017, more than 72,000 people died of overdoses in the U.S., or nearly 200 people a day.
There were 2,000 opioid-related deaths in Maryland. Baltimore has the highest death toll for accidental overdoses in the state.
“Even if you walk out this door and you walk down certain streets you’ll see signs of addiction right in your face,” Mayor Catherine Pugh said at a City Hall news conference commemorating the day.
Mayor Pugh was joined by Congressman Elijah Cummings in addressing the significance of International Overdose Awareness Day.
In Baltimore, the overdose reversal drug, naloxone is in demand and is provided by the health department. There’s also a call for federal funding of more effective drug treatment.
“Effective treatment,” Congressman Cummings emphasized. “We don’t want to just open up a little shop saying let’s get some money from the government- no.”
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