Maryland Department of Health
Behavioral Health Administration

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Opioid Misuse Prevention Program

​Overview

The Opioid Misuse Prevention Program (OMPP) is administered by the Behavioral Health Administration and is supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block grant. 

The program's funding is awarded to 18 local health authorities (one regional effort of five counties) to implement evidence-based primary prevention and intervention strategies to prevent and reduce opioid misuse, overdoses, and overdose fatalities. These strategies can be targeted to the general population or to those who are at increased risk of misusing opioids or already misusing opioids. 

What does the program do?

The following are some examples of Opioid Misuse Prevention Program​ strategies that have been implemented at the local level:  

  • Social marketing campaigns that focus on ensuring access to treatment, proper storage and disposal of prescription drugs, the risks of misusing opioids, and raising awareness of the Good Samaritan Law. 
  • Prevention education programs including All Stars Character Education, Operation Prevention, and Project Towards No Drug Abuse. 
  • Overdose education and naloxone training, education for prescribers and pharmacists, drug take-back events, and training for first responders and law enforcement. 
BHA contracts with the Behavioral Health Resources and Technical Assistance (BHRT) program at the University of Maryland at Baltimore School of Pharmacy to provide expert technical assistance and training​ to Opioid Misuse Prevention Program grantees. 

Where can I learn more?

Questions or comments may be directed to bha.prevention@maryland.gov​. 
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For additional information about opioids, information for patients, or resources, please visit CDC.gov​.