Annapolis, MD (July 10, 2025) – The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is sharing life-saving resources and information after an increase in overdoses in the region. Thursday morning, Baltimore City experienced a high overdose event that sent multiple individuals to the hospital. Due to Anne Arundel County’s proximity to Baltimore City, the Department of Health is urging individuals who use drugs to exercise caution and utilize harm reduction tools that can help prevent a fatal overdose.
Signs of OVERDOSE:
- Not responsive, even when shaken or shouted at
- Difficulty walking, talking or staying awake
- Vomiting
- Fingertips or lips turn blue or gray
- Breathing is slow, shallow or stops
- Gurgling, choking or snoring noises
- Very small pupils (pinpoint)
Other signs may be present. When in doubt, administer naloxone. It does not cause harm, even if the person did not use opioids.
What can you do if you see an overdose?
- Call 911
- If you have naloxone, give the person naloxone
- If no response after three minutes, give a second dose of naloxone
- Do not leave the person alone
- If the person starts to breathe or becomes more alert, lie the person slightly on their left side so the body is supported by a bent knee with their face turned to the side and the bottom arm reaching out to stabilize the position.
Remember the Good Samaritan Law – Save a life!
- If you provide help or assist a person experiencing a medical emergency due to alcohol or drugs, you are criminally IMMUNE from being charged, arrested and prosecuted from certain crimes. (Ann. Code MD. CR §1-210)
- The police and the courts believe that saving a life is more important than a charge or an arrest.
Where can I get free naloxone and test strips?
The Department of Health offers free naloxone, fentanyl and xylazine test strips, and other public health items in Health-To-Go vending machines. Individuals can access the vending machines anonymously and easily at several locations throughout the county.
- Brooklyn Park Library, 1 E 11th Avenue, Baltimore
- Deale Library, 5940 Deale Churchton Road, Deale
- Eastport Community Center, 1014 President Street, Annapolis
- Glen Burnie Health Center, 416 A Street SW Glen Burnie
- Health Services Building, 3 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis
- Jennifer Road Detention Center, 131 Jennifer Road, Annapolis
- Ordnance Road Detention Center, 600 E Ordnance Road, Glen Burnie
- Severn Center, 1160 A Reece Road, Severn
The Department of Health’s Overdose Response Program provides free training and free naloxone kits to attendees. Call 410-222-1937 for more information.
How can I lower my risk of overdose?
- Carry naloxone with you at all times and inform others where it is.
- Start Low, Go Slow. You are at a higher risk of overdose if you haven’t used it in a while. Individuals leaving jail or prison, hospitalization, or coming out of treatment should exercise extreme caution.
- Never Use Alone. If you must use alone, let people know where you are, and never lock the door. You can also call an Overdose Response Hotline, such as Never Use Alone at 800-484-3731 or 877-696-1996.
- Know your supply. Substances vary in strength and purity, and are often mixed. Check your supply by using fentanyl and xylazine test strips.
Where to get help?
For Naloxone training, call 410-222-1937 or the Department of Health Substance Use Treatment and Referral Line at 410-222-0117. For information, visit AAHealth.org/opioid-overdose-response-training.