The State Continues to Battle Increasing Drug Abuse Problem (WJZ)

Tuesday Jan 3rd, 2017

More than 1200 people died from drug overdoses statewide last year. A number the state already shattered with close to 1500 back in September.

Maryland has seen it’s fair share of deadly wrecks and homicides in 2016, but officials say drug overdoses are now killing far more Americans than both — concerns that continue to grow in Baltimore City.

“This is something that affects each and every one of us,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen.

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To Baltimore City,  where health officials say there will be right around 500 overdose deaths for 2016. Numbers that are beyond alarming.

“There are more people in Baltimore City who die from overdose than die from homicides,” said Dr. Wen.

Health officials say there are more than 21,000 people who use heroin in Baltimore, and many more who have addictions to other substances. While the total continues to surge, Health Commissioner Wen says so does the use of a drug called fentanyl.

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