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Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford Announces Opening of Recovery and Academic Program

Supports Montgomery County Public School Students in Substance Use Education & Recovery Efforts

May 15, 2018

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford today joined Karen Salmon, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools; Michael Durso, president of Montgomery County Board of Education; and Jack Smith, superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools as they announced the opening of a recovery and academic program.

“Too many Maryland students have been affected by the heroin and opioid crisis,” said Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford. “In the continuum of treatment, recovery programs are often not utilized to their full potential. This program provides sufficient attention to this critical area. We hope to replicate this pilot program in other communities so that our students have a second chance.”

“Opioid and other substance abuse has derailed too many young people from a successful Maryland education and a hopeful future,” said Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools. “Innovative, flexible academic programs such as this one in Montgomery County, give our students a chance to reclaim their dreams.”

Partnering with Family Services, Inc. this academic program will support students who are in substance use recovery and are committed to maintaining sobriety. The program will be located at The Landing, part of Family Services, Inc., in Gaithersburg.

“The opioid epidemic has touched the lives of so many Marylanders and we are working hard every day to combat this crisis,” said Clay Stamp, executive director of the Opioid Operational Command Center. “The recovery and academic program is just one more tool for us to use in this fight.”

The Hogan-Rutherford Administration provided $200,000 to Montgomery County Public Schools to establish the recovery and academic program as part of Governor Larry Hogan’s $50 million commitment to address the heroin and opioid crisis.

Before It’s Too Late is the state’s effort to bring awareness to the heroin and opioid epidemic-and to mobilize resources for effective prevention, treatment, and recovery. Marylanders grappling with a substance use disorder can find help at BeforeItsTooLateMD.org and 1-800-422-0009, the state crisis hotline.

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