Plan of Attack Formed to Combat County's 'Heroin Crisis'

Expanded treatment options for heroin addicts, along with beefed-up police efforts targeting dealers and increased education, are all part of the plan drafted to curb use of the deadly drug in Anne Arundel County.

County Executive Steve Schuh and Anne Arundel County’s Heroin Action Taskforce on Monday released a Heroin Action Plan to combat what it called the crisis in the county.

“This report will provide the blueprint for tackling this crisis over the next decade,” said Schuh in a statement. “The final plan focuses on stepping up our efforts to educate our children, treat those suffering from addiction, and stop the flow of heroin into our county.”

Last month Schuh issued an executive order directing county agencies to use “all best efforts” to eliminate the use of heroin in the county.

In Maryland, there were 378 heroin-related deaths in 2012 compared to 245 in 2011. In Anne Arundel County, the Police Department reports more than one heroin overdose per day, according to the county’s report released Monday. There were 308 heroin and opioid overdoses in Anne Arundel County last year, 48 of which were fatal.

Authorities say the increase in heroin use is tied to several factors, including tougher controls on prescription opiate medications; its low cost; availability; and ease of use. The recent emergence of fentanyl, a highly potent opioid, in some of the heroin being sold in the region may also be a factor.

The plan maps out three areas of focus:

• Education: Education of residents, especially children, through targeted public awareness campaigns and community engagement.
• Treatment Opportunities: Expanded treatment opportunities by investing in programs that break the cycle of addiction once it begins.
• Increased Enforcement: Targeted public safety investments in specialty tactical units to neutralize the gangs and dealers that traffic in heroin.

“The work does not stop here,” said Schuh. “In the coming weeks, our office will be meeting with departments and asking them to prioritize these recommendations and include anti-heroin initiatives in their annual budget requests.”

Read the full report here.

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