Baltimore Beat
As mayor’s administration tiptoes around overdose prevention centers, Councilman Dorsey says they’re needed now
Though Mayor Scott has the authority to unilaterally impose measures such as OPCs, he has repeatedly declined to comment on the matter despite naming them a “legislative priority” this year.
With a focus on harm reduction, Baltimore’s strategic plan looks to cut fatal overdoses 40% by 2040
Baltimore's draft strategic plan lists myriad goals, but it also contains some ambiguity, leaving the door open for programs such as overdose prevention centers.
In Baltimore's drug war, 'public safety' comes before public health. Nearly all of those impacted are Black
City officials have found themselves unable — or unwilling — to let go of punitive drug enforcement and the millions of dollars it takes to bankroll the cops who carry it out.
Harm reductionists press Mayor Scott about restitution funds, echo opioid board’s concerns at town hall event
The town hall came one week after the restitution board’s second meeting, where members were shocked to learn that they’d only have discretion over just $2 million of funds allocated to community organizations.
As Baltimore battles overdose crisis and hosts East Coast’s largest addiction conference, harm reduction practices shine
Harm reduction has only grown in popularity in the U.S. and internationally — on the same day as the conference in Baltimore, roughly 1,000 people attended the Harm Reduction International Conference in Bogotá, Colombia.
Lived experience is crucial in guiding Baltimore’s overdose crisis response, new board members say
Mayor Brandon Scott swore in 20 members of the city’s new Opioid Restitution Advisory Board last week, eight of whom were chosen because of their personal history with substance use disorder and overdose.
Baltimore OD deaths plummeted in 2024, but Black residents still bear the brunt of crisis
Data released by the Maryland Department of Health last week showed Baltimore recorded 680 deaths in 2024, a 35% decrease from the year prior.
Baltimore harm reduction orgs fear funding cuts, ramped-up drug war under Trump
“All of the moves this administration is talking about implementing spell death for the people we serve,” said Candy Kerr, spokesperson and policy advocate for the Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition.
With Baltimore's legal saga almost over, public discourse about OD crisis may soon begin
Since this spring, Mayor Brandon Scott's administration has repeatedly refused to comment on matters related to drugs or the overdose crisis, citing ongoing litigation.
The Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition doesn't just save lives. It builds meaningful relationships
The Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition was formed in 2011, which predates the current fentanyl-driven overdose crisis. But harm reduction is a strategy and philosophy that extends to other vulnerable groups such as sex workers.
Baltimore's fatal overdose rate shows signs of slowing, prompting cautious optimism
The last time the city saw less than 800 deaths was in 2017, which preceded a pandemic-era surge in fatalities caused by the proliferation of fentanyl.
Nationwide bus tour visits Baltimore to promote hope, recovery as city combats OD crisis
The organization's stop in Baltimore, which was organized by the Maryland Peer Advisory Council, came as many who are struggling with addiction go without treatment because of barriers to access such as a lack of local facilities or inadequate finances.