Hope Lives Here: Baltimore

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Hope Lives Here: Baltimore

Baltimore City carries a much heavier burden from the opioid crisis than most places in Maryland or the country. This decades-long crisis has been shaped by the Crack Cocaine Epidemic, the War on Drugs, prescription drug misuse, the era of heroin use, and now fentanyl and other emerging drugs. Because of long standing historical and economic inequities, many neighborhoods face a much higher risk of fatal drug and alcohol overdose than others. Hope Lives Here is Baltimore’s coordinated response to reduce overdoses, save lives, and support the people and families affected by this crisis. It brings together real resources, real support, and a commitment from the city to make sure no one faces this alone.

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in collaboration with Department of Health

Phase 2: Overdose Prevention

Baltimore City carries a heavier share of Maryland’s overdose crisis than other parts of the state.

Phase 2: Overdose Prevention

Baltimore City carries a heavier share of Maryland’s overdose crisis than other parts of the state.

Baltimore City carries a heavier share of Maryland’s overdose crisis than other parts of the state. Although the City makes up only 9% of Maryland's population, nearly 42% of the state's overdose deaths happen here. Black men ages 60 and older face the highest risk of overdose in the city.

Overdose Needs Assessment Dashboard

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose in minutes. Our goal is to make carrying naloxone as common as carrying a phone. Through our Overdose Response Program (ORP), also known as the Staying Alive Program, residents can get free training and free naloxone. We are also installing naloxone boxes in public buildings and senior living facilities across the city.

Staying Alive Naloxone Trainings: Staying Alive Drug Overdose Response Program |
Baltimore City · ORP map: https://arcg.is/19jqfO

Prevention also means knowing what's in the drug supply. Baltimore City offers free drug checking strips for fentanyl, xylazine, and medetomidine, along with information on how to lower the risk of overdose. By using drug checking strips, people can check what other substances might be in their drugs before they use them. This harm‑reduction tool helps people stay informed and make safer choices.

The Overdose Fatality Review Team and the Overdose Prevention Team study overdose deaths to find gaps in our systems and fix them. In hospitals, the Levels of Care initiative works to make sure every patient with opioid use disorder receives consistent, high-quality care.

The data shows this work is making a difference: overdose deaths in Baltimore City dropped 42% between 2023 and 2025. But there is still more to do.