On Tuesday, I joined Interim Health Commissioner Olivia Farrow, Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld, Fire Chief Jim Clack, and Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems' President and C.E.O. Greg Warren to celebrate the City's progress made in reducing the number of deaths associated with drugs of abuse or alcohol.

 

In 2008, overdose deaths in Baltimore dropped by an incredible 36%, according to the Health Department's quarterly report on intoxication deaths associated with drugs of abuse and alcohol. Even more importantly, deaths associated with all substances decreased in 2008 compared to 2007.   These are the lowest levels since 1995, when health officials first started tracking this data.

 

We can say for certain that a lot of credit for these declines has to go to our hard-working outreach workers and the addiction counselors who educate people on the street.  They work tirelessly with those in recovery to help them identify the symptoms of overdose and prevent overdose deaths.

 

Baltimore's Buprenorphine initiative is another important effort to prevent these deaths. This initiative has significantly increased access to and capacity in publicly funded treatment centers for addicts across our City.

 

I also want to thank our EMT firefighters who respond to these emergency calls and our police officers who fight to keep drugs off our streets.  Improving the health and wellness of one of Baltimore's most vulnerable and at-risk populations is a daunting challenge. But this report demonstrates how lives can be saved when City agencies partner and work together toward a common goal.  A healthier Baltimore is a safer Baltimore.  To view the Health Department's report CLICK HERE.
 
I wish you all a safe, healthy Fourth of July weekend.