Aruna Miller Leads Maryland’s Fight Against Overdoses At Awareness Rally

India-West Staff Reporter

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Maryland’s first Substance Use Awareness Advocacy Day brought together advocates, officials, and community members April 2, reinforcing the state’s commitment to tackling overdose deaths.

Lt. Gov. Aruna K. Miller and Special Secretary of Overdose Response Emily Keller hosted the event at Lawyer’s Mall, highlighting recent progress and the challenges ahead.

“The fight isn’t easy, but persistence and action are saving lives,” Miller said. “Together with our partners in the General Assembly, we’re turning words into action.”

Maryland’s overdose crisis peaked post-pandemic, with 2,800 fatal overdoses in 2021—the highest in state history. However, a steady decline followed, with 1,648 deaths in 2024, a 34.4% drop from the previous year, according to the Maryland Overdose Data Dashboard.

Maryland has also announced $12.4 million in new grants from the Opioid Restitution Fund, part of the $650 million in settlement funds expected over the next two decades. More than $118 million has already been allocated at the local level.