The Maryland Office of Overdose Response (MOOR) focuses on 5 priority pillars: Prevention, Treatment, Recovery, Harm Reduction and Public Safety. It is managed by Special Secretary Emily Keller.
The Carroll County Overdose Prevention Policy Group (OPPG) was previously the Senior Opioid Policy Group. The group underwent a name change as well to address overdoses from any substance. more than opioids. The OPPG also serves as our Overdose Prevention Team (OPT). The OPPG's main purposes are 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. They also communicate with and educate the community regarding the programs, facilities and policies of available county behavioral health and addictions services.
The group consists of community members shall include, but is not limited to, individuals with experience in: health, social services, education, public safety agencies, including: law enforcement, fire service, and emergency services, overdose prevention and response programs, recovery support programs,rubstance use treatment, and other community and faith-based organizations.
The group is chaired by representatives from the Health Department and community organizations. The OPPG must comply with the Open Meetings Act. The agenda must be published publicly 24 hours prior to meeting, and recordings OR notes must also be published after the meeting. Please see meeting information and minutes below.
All block grant applications MUST be discussed with the Overdose Prevention Team (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.
In July, 2026 the OPPG merged with the Opioid Prevention Coalition (OPC). In July membership feedback supported our rename from Opioid Prevention Coalition to Overdose Prevention Coalition (OPC). The OPC has held active meetings on the 2nd Wednesday bi-monthly.
In FY 2027, meetings will take place on the following dates:
- July 13th, 2026
- September (date TBD)
- November (date TBD)
- January (date TBD)
- March (date TBD)
- May (date TBD)
The meetings are hybrid and can be attended in person at the Carroll County Health Department at 290 S. Center Street, Westminster, MD 21157 or virtually via Google Meets. To receive meeting invitations or if you have questions please call 410-876-4449.
