​​​​The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) launched Maryland’s Overdose Response Program (ORP) in March 2014 to provide training ​in overdose response and certify individuals— people who use drugs, their family members and friends; treatment program and transitional housing staff; and law enforcement officers—most able to assist someone at risk of dying from an opioid overdose when emergency medical services are not immediately available.​





Naloxone Training Video

The Overdose Response Program is part of the Department of Health's strategy to reduce overdose deaths.





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Naloxone (Narcan®), is a life-saving medication that can quickly restore the breathing of a person who has overdosed on heroin or prescription opioid pain medication like oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl or methadone. Naloxone is also known as Narcan, which is a brand name.

Naloxone comes in 2 formulations for public use: muscle injection and intranasal, or through the nose.









You, or someone you know, may be at risk for an opioid overdose. Using prescription opioids such as oxycodone, morphine, or drugs such as heroin and fentanyl can lead to an overdose. With naloxone on hand, you will be equipped to respond and prevent death from an overdose.

Individuals who attend training may receive naloxone.​You can also get naloxone via a prescription from any provider or at a pharmacy without a prescription under the Statewide Standing Order​









MDH authorizes private or public entities to conduct educational training programs. Anyone who works for the Overdose Response Program can conduct the training. Entities such as local health departments, community organizations, public safety organizations, substance use disorder treatment programs and other health care providers are eligible to apply for approval as authorized training entities under the ORP. You can look up a training program near you using the ORP Registry​ or find an upcoming training on the calendar​









Under the law, physicians and advance practice nurses affiliated with an ORP may prescribe naloxone to ORP trainees and may dispense naloxone according to authorized entity protocols. This can also be delegated to employees or volunteers of the Overdose Response Program. Under the law, physicians and advance practice nurses affiliated with an ORP may prescribe naloxone to ORP trainees and may dispense naloxone according to authorized entity protocols. This can also be delegated to employees or volunteers of the Overdose Response Program.



Any individual can now get naloxone without a prescription at participating Maryland pharmacies through a Statewide Standing Order.​





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