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Bill

HB 690

Overdose Awareness Day

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Long

Maryland designates an annual Overdose Awareness Day to honor overdose victims and promote substance use prevention and treatment initiatives statewide.

Hearing 3/13 at 3:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 690

Legislative bill overview

HB 690 designates a specific day in Maryland as "Overdose Awareness Day" to recognize and commemorate individuals lost to overdose and raise public awareness about the opioid crisis. The bill is a symbolic measure intended to focus attention on substance use disorder and overdose prevention efforts.

Why is this important

Overdose deaths remain a significant public health crisis, particularly in Maryland, which has consistently ranked among states with the highest overdose mortality rates. Establishing an official awareness day can increase visibility for prevention programs, treatment resources, and support services for affected families and communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Symbolic vs. substantive: Critics may argue that designating an awareness day does little to address the root causes of overdose deaths without accompanying funding or policy changes to expand treatment access and harm reduction programs
  • Date selection and sensitivity: There may be disagreement over which date best honors victims or whether multiple awareness days dilute public attention on the issue
  • Implementation costs: Questions about how the state will promote the day and whether resources dedicated to awareness could be better directed toward direct intervention and treatment services

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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