BEL AIR, Md., (Aug. 6, 2015) – The Harford County Department of Community Services Office of Drug Control Policy has been awarded a $120,000 grant from the Maryland Behavior Health Administration to fight heroin addiction and overdose in Harford County. Targeting the heroin epidemic is a priority under the administration of County Executive Barry Glassman.
“It is shocking, but heroin is reaching children as young as 11 in neighborhoods all across Harford County, and it only takes one dose to have lasting and devastating effects,” said County Executive Glassman. “Prevention, treatment and recovery resources are key, and that is where my administration is directing available funds.”
The $120,000 grant will expand the county’s drug and alcohol abuse prevention outreach to middle and high schools and to community organizations by supporting two prevention specialist positions. Earlier this year, the county Office of Drug Control Policy received a $100,000 grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to fund a high-profile public awareness campaign of radio spots, print advertising, mobile bus advertisements and billboards throughout Harford County.
Despite a tight budget for fiscal year 2016, the Glassman administration has also committed first-ever county funding to begin addressing treatment. Funds in the amount of $100,000 will be used to strengthen post-recovery support systems, including training for peer recovery coaches, treatment funding and case management. These systems are critical aids for individuals in recovery and at-risk for relapse and overdose.
In addition, the county Office of Drug Control Policy is working with 211, a nationwide, free and confidential resource service, to develop a protocol for operators to help families and individuals struggling with addiction. A September roll-out is anticipated for this new 24/7 resource, to coincide with National Recovery Month.
Also in September, the Glassman administration plans to hold a town hall meeting in partnership with the Harford County Sherriff’s Office to update citizens on the heroin epidemic. The meeting will include a discussion of actions by county government and law enforcement to address the epidemic, and opportunities for community input.
The Department of Community Services Office of Drug Control Policy is the leading drug and alcohol abuse prevention agency in Harford County; upcoming events include:
Caitlin’s Games – a fundraiser to support treatment and case management
Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Kelly Field, 502 Boulton St., Bel Air
https://www.facebook.com/caitlinsgame
Office of Drug Control Policy Presentation
Harford County Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon
Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015; 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Main Street Tower, 29 S. Main St., Bel Air
www.harfordchamber.org
Run for Recovery
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015; 8:00 a.m.
Starts at Harford Community College, 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air
www.races2run.com/events/run4recovery/
Close Foundation “Shining a Light on Recovery” Candlelight Vigil
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015; 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Shamrock Park, Lee Way & Hickory Avenue, Bel Air
www.closefoundation.org
Human Rope to Stop the Dope*
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015; 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Rt. 22 & Hays Street, Bel Air
National Drug Take Back*
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015; 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
220 S. Main St. (Parking Lot), Bel Air
*These events are part of Healthy Harford Day 2015 http://www.healthyharford.org/calendar-of-events/healthy-harford-day-2015
