Harford County Government FY16 Initiative to Reduce Heroin Use and Overdose

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

Goals of Harford County’s Initiative to Reduce Heroin Use and Overdose included 1) significantly increasing awareness about heroin use and overdose; 2) overcoming geographic and demographic stereotypes; and 3) developing partnerships among key stake holders, including the Harford County Sherriff’s Office, Harford County Public Schools (HCPS), the Harford County Health Department, treatment providers, and the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake (UMUCH). To support this effort, County Executive Barry Glassman directed $100,000 of county funding to the initiative. This is the first time County funding has been directed towards treatment. Funds were used to address essential recovery needs and strengthen post-recovery support systems, develop support for individuals at-risk for relapse; provide funding assistance for treatment and programs that support sobriety maintenance; and reduce obstacles to recovery including obtaining housing, vocational and GED support, record expungement and credit repair. Under this effort, a county-wide town hall meeting and middle school speaking series were developed to reach citizens. A public awareness campaign, including billboards, social media, radio spots, and targeted print advertising coincided with the speaking series. Further, funding was used to implement “Project Healthy Delivery” a treatment program for pregnant women suffering from addiction.