Every day in our city, two people lose their lives due to overdose. These are not random people—they are our friends, family, and fellow community members. These deaths are particularly tragic because there is a life-saving medication, naloxone, that can reverse an opioid overdose. 

Naloxone gives everyone the power to save a life, which is why I first issued a standing order to Baltimore’s 620,000 residents in October 2015. As a result, more than 800 lives have been saved from overdose by fellow residents. 

However, a significant barrier remained—a person needed to complete a training before receiving the medication, which was burdensome and inhibited our outreach workers’ ability to reach more residents. In this time of public health emergency, we need every tool to eliminate every barrier.

Yesterday, when the Maryland Heroin and Opioid Prevention Effort (HOPE) and Treatment Act went into effect, I issued a new standing order for naloxone, essentially making the medication over-the-counter. Delegate Antonio Hayes, a co-sponsor and champion of the HOPE Act, joined me at Fibus Drug Store to demonstrate how easy it is for anyone to administer naloxone.

As I was signing my standing order, someone overdosed just outside. One of our outreach workers, Nathan Fields, rushed out, administered two doses of naloxone, and saved the person's life. This demonstrates why the standing order is in place and why it is so important for everyone to carry naloxone.

Later in the day on HLN’s On the Story with Erica Hill and in coverage from Washington Times and Associate Press, I discussed new Maryland legislation that will increase access to naloxone for residents as well as Baltimore City’s the anti-stigma campaign, Don’t Die, which informs people about addiction, substance use, and how to use naloxone.

Nurses and health professionals are also critical partners in the fight against the opioid epidemic. During my keynote address to the American Federation of Teachers Nurses, Health, and Public Employees Professional Conference, I spoke about Baltimore’s innovative approach to the opioid epidemic and the necessity of addressing health disparities and trauma caused by structural racism and inequality. In public health, it is our duty to rectify societal injustices. All of our healthcare partners has a role to play.

Baltimore City never takes a back seat to public health and is leading the way to save lives to this epidemic. It is essential for naloxone to be part of everyone's medicine cabinet and everyone's First Aid kit. Please visit your local pharmacy today. You can save the life of a family member, friend, colleague, or community member.

Sincerely,

Leana S. Wen, M.D., M.Sc.

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