Overdose Prevention Team (OPT)
Overdose Prevention Team (OPT) formerly Opioid Intervention Team (OIT)
Purpose
The purpose of the Overdose Prevention Team (OPT) is to help focus and invigorate efforts to combat overdose deaths in Baltimore City. Comprised of governmental, medical, and community-based partners, the OPT is charged with development of a citywide response plan that reflects the needs of the citizens of Baltimore city. The OPT acts as a steering committee that decides on the priorities and manages the general course of coordinated, city-wide efforts. The Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) provides structure and support for the OPT.
Mission
The mission of the Baltimore City OPT is to develop and implement a coordinated approach to address the opioid crisis impacting Baltimore City.
The Baltimore City Health Department is committed to driving public health efforts that advance the physical and behavioral health of Baltimore and improving the lives of individuals living with substance use disorders and their families.
Vision
The vision of the Baltimore City OPT is to protect and reduce the impact of opioids and opioid-related deaths on the citizens and visitors of Baltimore City.
The OPT for Baltimore City is a collaborative effort to apply unified strategies to reduce non-fatal and fatal overdoses in Baltimore, to help coordinate all engaged stakeholders, and to strengthen interventions and responses that reduce fatal and non-fatal overdoses throughout the city.
Many community partners and organizations are involved in the OPT, including the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management, Public Defenders Office, Behavioral Health System Baltimore, Drug Enforcement Agency, Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, State Attorney’s Office, health care systems, Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore City Fire Department, Baltimore City Police Department, Division of Parole and Probation, Department of Social Services, a number of community-based organizations and the Baltimore City Health Department.
City-Wide Approach
The OPT is updating its Strategic Plan, to empower individuals to make safer choices as well as identify and support innovative and effective prevention programs. As defined by the Opioid Operational Command Center, established by the Governor’s Office, the OPT aims to address the key areas of prevention, treatment, and public safety.
OIT 2021-2023 Strategic Plan
The OIT has developed a three-year strategic plan (2021-2023) that reflects the needs of the people of Baltimore City. To read the full strategic plan, please click on the following link:
Baltimore City OIT 2021-2023 Strategic Plan (28 pages)
Meeting Schedule
2024 Overdose Prevention Team Schedule*
The OPT convenes quarterly, on the last Friday of every third month, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. We welcome members of the public who wish to join us.
Upcoming Events
Friday, September 20, 2024 - 2:30pm |
Attendance
- Listen in. Members of the public can join via Teams, call in by dailing +1 667-228-6519, Phone Conference ID: 772 163 633#; Meeting ID: 277 343 332 319
Friday, December 27, 2024 - 1 pm*Past Events
If you have any questions or difficulties accessing these documents, please contact Brittney Spencer.
*subject to change