(Overdose Prevention Team- OPT)
Governor Wes Moore issued an update outlining our updated mission and responsibilities, which now include an increase in focus to address the overdose crisis more broadly. Office Managed by Special Secretary Emily Keller within MDH. Opioid Operational Command Center (OOCC) has changed its name to Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response.
Maryland Office of Overdose Response name change allows for a focus from opioids specifically to overdose inclusive of other substances including alcohol and others. 5 priority pillars: Prevention, Treatment, Recovery, Harm Reduction and Public Safety.
Carroll County Overdose Prevention Policy Group was previously the Senior Opioid Group. The group underwent a name change as well to address more than opioids. The group consist of community members shall include, but is not limited to, individuals with experience in:
a) Health;
(b) Social services;
(c) Education;
(d) Public safety agencies, including law enforcement, fire service, and emergency services;
(e) Harm reduction programs;
(f) Recovery support programs;
(g) Substance use treatment; and
(h) Community and faith-based organizations
The group is Chaired by representatives from the Health Department, Co-chaired by representatives from community organizations. Must comply with the open meetings act and Agenda must be published publicly 24 hours prior to meeting, and recordings OR notes must also be published after the meeting.
All block grant applications MUST be discussed with the OPT at large to solicit feedback. OPT chairs should send out an email to all OPT members notifying them during which meeting the block grant will be discussed. In order to receive funding from the Office, counties must host these meetings at least quarterly and report to the Office on an annual basis.
OPTs will remain the entities responsible for allocating block grant funding from the MOOR office.
The group's main purpose is to advocate for a comprehensive behavioral health system for persons of all ages and to meet the identified needs of the general public and the criminal justice system for alcohol and drug evaluation, prevention and treatment services. To communicate and educate the community regarding goals, programs, facilities and policies of available county behavioral health and addictions services.
In Carroll County, our Overdose Prevention Policy Group is merged with the Carroll County Behavioral Health Advisory Council (CCBHAC).
