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As mayor’s administration tiptoes around overdose prevention centers, Councilman Dorsey says they’re needed now Post feature image

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 Post feature image

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.

Baltimore's landmark opioid case faces another delay, but public hearings are finally coming Post feature image

Baltimore's landmark opioid case faces another delay, but public hearings are finally coming

A judge has granted the city an extension in the historic case, giving it more time to decide whether to accept a significantly lower award from a jury verdict last year or opt for a new trial. However, public hearings are on the horizon.

BPD data makes it hard to argue that Baltimore's drug war isn't alive and well Post feature image

BPD data makes it hard to argue that Baltimore's drug war isn't alive and well

Earlier this week, the Baltimore Beat published my deep dive on the War on Drugs in Baltimore. Nearly everyone arrested and charged with drug "crimes" is Black.

In Baltimore's drug war, 'public safety' comes before public health. Nearly all of those impacted are Black Post feature image

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.

Baltimore's landmark lawsuit is flawed — and so is the public's view on opioids Post feature image

Baltimore's landmark lawsuit is flawed — and so is the public's view on opioids

Earlier this week, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge P. Lawrence Fletcher-Hill rejected the city's $5.2 billion ask for abatement and reversed a $266 million jury verdict from last year. It shed light on the lawsuit's flaws, but there's more to the story.

Judge Rejects Baltimore's $5.2 Billion Lawsuit Request to Address OD Crisis Post feature image

Judge Rejects Baltimore's $5.2 Billion Lawsuit Request to Address OD Crisis

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lawrence P. Fletcher-Hill said the city failed to prove that it needed McKesson and Cencora to pay $5.2 billion to cover the costs of redressing the damages they allegedly caused.

BPD pleads for money to fuel drug-war policing as health department faces budget cuts Post feature image

BPD pleads for money to fuel drug-war policing as health department faces budget cuts

As it does every year, the Baltimore Police Department asked for an increase in funding this week, in part to fund drug enforcement efforts. Yet its tactics exacerbate the overdose crisis at a time when public health funding could be upended.

In OD crisis talks, Sen. Alsobrooks brings moderate politics to a fight demanding progressive reforms Post feature image

In OD crisis talks, Sen. Alsobrooks brings moderate politics to a fight demanding progressive reforms

U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks has positioned herself as a moderate Democrat who will fight to prevent cuts to Medicaid and other public health services. Yet her politics may not meet the calls for more ambitious reforms.

Gov. Moore signs budget with increased SUD program funding as fatal overdose rate slows Post feature image

Gov. Moore signs budget with increased SUD program funding as fatal overdose rate slows

Gov. Wes Moore signed the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year on Tuesday. It brings a modest increase in funding for substance use and mental health services as fatal overdoses continue to decline.

Amid a lethal OD crisis, GOP looks to sabotage Medicaid coverage for 32,000 Baltimoreans with SUD Post feature image

Amid a lethal OD crisis, GOP looks to sabotage Medicaid coverage for 32,000 Baltimoreans with SUD

A far-right faction of Republicans in the U.S. House blocked a budget reconciliation bill backed by President Donald Trump and his allies on Friday because they want to slash even more Medicaid funding. Those with SUD stand to suffer amid an unprecedented overdose crisis.

Baltimore's harm reduction movement doesn't back down — but a larger coalition  must form Post feature image

Baltimore's harm reduction movement doesn't back down — but a larger coalition must form

Harm reductionists have joined the city's Opioid Restitution Advisory Board in fighting to ensure that a windfall of funds from opioid lawsuits is allocated in the best interest of those who use drugs. More Baltimoreans must show up.