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Maryland Overdose Deaths Plummet to 10-Year Low
30 Jan
Summary
- Maryland overdose deaths decreased by 26% in 2025.
- Fentanyl-related deaths dropped by 31% in the same year.
- Overdose Response Programs distributed record amounts of drug test strips and naloxone.
Maryland has achieved a 10-year low in overdose deaths, with a notable 26% reduction in 2025. The state's Overdose Data Dashboard reported 1,315 deaths, a substantial decrease from the 2021 peak. Fentanyl-related fatalities also declined significantly, dropping by 31% from 2024 to 2025.
Overdose Response Programs in Maryland played a crucial role by distributing record quantities of drug test strips and naloxone, a critical medication for reversing opioid overdoses. These efforts contributed to a statewide decrease across all drug categories and demographic groups.
Baltimore, in particular, recorded 568 overdose deaths in 2025, a nearly 27% decrease from the previous year. The city had faced challenges, including mass overdoses linked to Medetomidine, an animal sedative, during the summer and fall of 2025.
