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MPT Presents Fighting Opioids Today: Maryland Communities on Thursday, October 11

Program Looks at Battle Against Opioid Addiction and Progress Being Made in Maryland to Restore Lives 

October 2, 2018

ANNAPOLIS, MD  Maryland Public Television (MPT) will premiere a new program, Fighting Opioids Today: Maryland Communities, on Thursday, October 11 at 9 p.m. In a state where approximately six people die each day from opioid overdoses, this half-hour film provides insights into how Maryland healthcare providers, treatment programs, law enforcement, fire departments, and state and local government agencies are taking bold steps to address this public health crisis. A 30-second preview can be viewed at this link.

The program tells compelling stories of hope, resilience, healing, and recovery from across Maryland highlighting the growing number of resources available to individuals and families affected by opioid addiction. Among these stories, the film introduces viewers to people on the front lines of efforts to address the problem. Fighting Opioids Today: Maryland Communities shares the experiences of:

  • a mother from Kent County, now a family peer support specialist, who is turning the personal anguish of losing her son to addiction into positive action
  • a dedicated Baltimore City police officer, who lost a brother to addiction, addressing the heroin/ opioid addiction crisis in the city through the new Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program
  • individuals in recovery with the help of a peer recovery coach at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center in Baltimore County
  • firefighters in Anne Arundel County; people can go to county fire houses to seek treatment for substance use disorder
  • a counselor and peer recovery coach at the Harford County Health Department assisting men and women in recovery

Fighting Opioids Today: Maryland Communities is a production of MPT in association with the Opioid Operational Command Center and the Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration.

“All across our state, Marylanders are working hard to fight the heroin and opioid epidemic that is impacting our state and the country,” explains Clay Stamp, executive director of the Opioid Operational Command Center. “Fighting Opioids Today shares those stories of the positive effect that people are having on the lives of others – every day – and it reminds us of the good work happening in all of Maryland’s communities.”

Following the October 11 broadcast on MPT-HD, the film will air on MPT2 on October 28 at 10:30 p.m. In addition, Fighting Opioids Today: Maryland Communities will air in February 2019 as part of MPT’s annual Addiction & Recovery Week slate of programs.

Before It’s Too Late is the state’s effort to bring awareness to this epidemic—and to mobilize resources for effective prevention, treatment, and recovery. Marylanders grappling with a substance use disorder can find help at BeforeItsTooLateMD.org or by calling 211 and pressing 1. Additional support is available through MDCrisisConnect.org, which has information on both text and chat features.

About MPT
Launched in 1969 and headquartered in Owings Mills, MD, Maryland Public Television is a nonprofit, state-licensed public television network and member of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). MPT’s six transmitters cover Maryland plus portions of contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Frequent winner of regional Emmy® awards, MPT creates local, regional, and national television shows. Beyond broadcast, MPT’s commitment to professional educators, parents, caregivers, and learners of all ages is delivered through year-round instructional events and the super-website Thinkport, which garners in excess of 14 million page views annually. MPT’s community engagement connects viewers with local resources on significant health, education, and public interest topics through year-round outreach events, viewer forums, program screenings, and phone bank call-in opportunities. For more information visit mpt.org.

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