The Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) program is established in Maryland Health General Article §5-901​ ​and is administered by the Behavioral Health Administration's Prevention Office. Staff provide training, technical assistance, and support to the local overdose fatality review teams (LOFRTs). In addition, the staff prepares an annual report that highlights and summarizes case data and recommendations that were made by these teams.

The local overdose fatality review teams are established in 23 of the 24 jurisdictions in Maryland. These teams conduct confidential reviews of fatal and non-fatal overdose incidents to identify system gaps and prevention and intervention strategies needed to prevent future overdose deaths.

The local overdose fatality review teams are multidisciplinary teams that are comprised of stakeholders representing organizations across multiple sectors including social services, education, criminal justice, mental and behavioral health and others.

Program Goals:

•  Identify missed opportunities for prevention and intervention and system-level change to prevent future overdose deaths. 
•  Increase inter-agency communication and collaboration on overdose issues.       
•  Make recommendations to laws, policies, and/or programs to prevent future deaths.
•  Identify overdose risk factors to improve prevention planning.

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Additional Information and Resources:​

• Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program​
• ​Prescription Drug Monitoring Program video​
• Prescription Drug Drop-Off Sites​

​​For questions regarding the Overdose Fatality Review​ program or to learn about participating in a local overdose fatality review teams, please email [email protected].