Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response is inviting members of the public to participate in its upcoming town hall series focused on using prescription opioid settlement funds.

Marylanders are encouraged to share their ideas for how settlement proceeds can best be used to decrease overdoses and increase access to substance use disorder prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services.

As of the 2025 fiscal year, the state received approximately $245.8 million — and nearly $170 million has already gone to or is available for use by counties, cities and town. In all, over the next 15 years, a total of more than $687 million will be released with 70% to counties and municipalities so public comments on how it should be spent is encouraged (learn more about the state’s efforts to distribute settlement funds at StopOverdose.maryland.gov/ORF).

“Maryland has already cut fatal overdoses in half since their 2021 peak, and that’s because we’ve invested in services across the continuum of care that save lives,” said Lt. Governor Aruna Miller. “These settlement dollars are a limited window to build something that outlasts the crisis that created it. We know that the settlement dollars make a real difference when they’re transparent, evidence-based, and shaped by the communities living through this every day. That’s why we’re asking Marylanders directly: these town halls are how we make sure these investments serve the people who need it most.”

Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response is hosting five separate town halls for each region of the state. These town halls are open to the public and registration is not required to attend. However, attendees who would like to speak should complete the registration form found at StopOverdose.maryland.gov/ORF.

The Eastern Shore meeting is Thursday, August 6 from 7-8 p.m. The meeting link is https://tinyurl.com/mrhf8xdz.

Maryland Special Secretary of Overdose Response Emily Keller said, “Public input is essential for ensuring our overdose response efforts are as effective as possible. Every community has its own unique challenges, and we have to ensure that we consider those needs as we distribute settlement funds to help address the harms of the opioid and overdose crisis.”