Opioid Operational Command Center Holds 2020 Best Practices Conference to Focus on the Power of Collaboration

For immediate release: February 19, 2020

Opioid Crisis Response Professionals Will Share Promising Techniques

Annapolis, MD – Maryland’s Opioid Operational Command Center will host its 2020 Best Practices Conference on February 24, 2020 in Annapolis, MD. The theme of the conference is “The Power of Collaboration,” and the event will bring together professionals from across Maryland to share information on the programs and initiatives that are helping our state make progress against the opioid crisis.

Professionals from the advocacy, law enforcement, education, and policy sectors will attend the event to provide diverse perspectives on topics aligned with Governor Larry Hogan’s policy priorities of Prevention & Education, Enforcement & Public Safety, and Treatment & Recovery. The day’s conversations will cover the role of schools, public-awareness campaigns, harm-reduction measures, trends in law enforcement, vocational support, public advocacy, and more.

Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford, who has led the administration’s efforts to combat the opioid epidemic since 2015 and currently serves as chair of the state’s Inter-Agency Heroin and Opioid Coordinating Council, will provide keynote remarks at the event. “Some of the brightest minds in Maryland are working on the fight against the opioid epidemic, and they will be in attendance at the 2020 Best Practices Conference,” said Lt. Governor Rutherford. “This event will be a powerful forum for advancing the dialogue on opioids and galvanizing our collective efforts.”

Executive Director Steve Schuh of the Opioid Operational Command Center, which serves as the principal coordinator of the state’s fight against the opioid crisis, will update conference attendees on Maryland’s response efforts. “We are fortunate to have an extraordinarily dedicated and passionate group of individuals involved in addressing the opioid crisis in Maryland. Success in this fight requires all hands on deck, and we look forward to hosting a forum that will further strengthen our response to this immense public health crisis.”

Before It’s Too Late is the state’s effort to bring awareness to the opioid epidemic and to mobilize resources for effective prevention, enforcement, and treatment. Marylanders struggling with a substance use disorder can find help at BeforeItsTooLateMD.org; through our state’s crisis hotline, Call 211, Press 1; or by texting their ZIP code to 898-211.