A recent overdose incident in Baltimore’s Penn North community, where 27 people were hospitalized, sparked an urgent conversation about the city’s growing addiction crisis.
The discussion brought together voices including former Mayor Sheila Dixon; Dr. Salima Marriott, former delegate and Deputy Mayor of Community and Economic Development; Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, Vice Dean for Public Health Practice and Community Engagement; Dr. Letitia Dzirasa, Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services; and Sue May, founder of Love and Cornbread.
Guests emphasized the need for immediate, accessible treatment options and long-term recovery programs, noting that detox alone isn’t enough. The conversation also explored how systemic issues like economic inequality, unemployment, and a lack of federal action have worsened the crisis in Baltimore and beyond.
Callers shared personal stories, expressing a call for more compassion, community involvement, and comprehensive strategies to address addiction at its roots.
