T H E B A R R I E R S TO
OVERDOSE RESPONSE PROGRAM The Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DHMH) launched Maryland’s Overdose Response Program (ORP) in March 2014 to train and certify quali ed individuals most able to assist someone at risk of dying from an opioid overdose when emergency medical services are not immediately available. Despite stringent guidelines, dispersion protocols, and the training certi cation required with the program, looming controversy surrounds questions of what validates individuals are being “quali ed” in assisting in the Overdose Response Program. Recently, reports have shown that family members, friends and associates of opioid users; treatment program and transitional housing staff; and law enforcement of cers seem to make up the majority of those most able to assist someone at risk of dying from an opioid overdose. Successfully trained individuals will receive a certi cate allowing them to obtain and have lled a prescription for Naloxone, also known as Narcan®, a life-saving medication that can quickly restore the breathing of a person who has overdosed on heroin or prescription opioid pain medication like oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl or methadone. The DHMH authorizes private or public entities to conduct educational training programs using a core curriculum that includes information about prescription and non-pharmaceutical opioids and
training on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose, proper rescue breathing technique, and how to properly administer naloxone and care for the individual until emergency medical help arrives. The training also stresses the importance of calling 911 for the person in distress and reporting the naloxone administration event to the Maryland Poison Center.
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