September 28th, 2015 by WCBC Radio
The statistics are sobering. Last year, nearly 900 Marylanders died from opioid misuse, including 578 from heroin alone, which means that opioid deaths account for more than 85 percent of all intoxication deaths throughout the state. And the problem is worsening; the 2014 data represent a 22 percent increase from the previous year and a 76 percent increase since 2010. Maryland Lt Governor Boyd Rutherford has headed up a task force appointed by Governor Larry Hogan to look at the problems, and recommend solutions. A series of regional town hall meetings have been held, including one over the summer in Hagerstown. Rutherford says heroin on opioids are a problem in every walk of life, in every part of the state. While some circumstances may differ, there are some common themes heard from Allegany County to the Eastern Shore…
