Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response is hosting a virtual town hall to explore the best ways to use funds from the state’s prescription opioid settlements. The meeting, scheduled for August 4 at 5:30 p.m., is open to the public and will focus on the Central Maryland region, including Baltimore City and surrounding counties.
Investing in Overdose Response Efforts
Lt. Governor Aruna Miller stated that Maryland has already cut fatal overdoses in half since their 2021 peak, thanks to investments in services across the continuum of care. The state expects to receive over $687 million in settlement funds over the next 15 years, with around 70% going to counties, cities, and towns that joined the state’s settlements with prescription opioid manufacturers, distributors, and retail pharmacies.
The Moore-Miller Administration believes that public input is essential for ensuring effective overdose response efforts. Emily Keller, Maryland Special Secretary of Overdose Response, emphasized that every community has its own unique challenges, and the state must consider those needs when distributing settlement funds.
In May 2026, Miller and the Office of Overdose Response launched a public dashboard to show how money from opioid settlements is being distributed and invested across the state. The goal is to raise public awareness, ensure transparency, and provide rigorous oversight of the use of settlement funds.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
