For immediate release: July 27, 2026
Maryland to Hold Town Halls on Prescription Opioid Settlement Spending
CROWNSVILLE, MD – 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.
“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.”
“The Moore-Miller Administration believes wholeheartedly that those closest to the problem are closest to the solution,” said Maryland Special Secretary of Overdose Response Emily Keller. “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.”
About the Town Hall Series
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 a registration form found at StopOverdose.maryland.gov/ORF.
- Central Maryland: August 4, 2026 (5:30–6:30 pm) Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Harford County, Carroll County
- Capital Region: August 5, 2026 (5:30–6:30 pm) Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Frederick County
- Southern Maryland: August 5, 2026 (7–8 pm) Calvert County, Charles County, St. Mary’s County
- Western Maryland: August 6, 2026 (5:30–6:30 pm) Washington County, Allegany County, Garrett County
- Eastern Shore: August 6, 2026 (7–8 pm) Cecil County, Kent County, Queen Anne’s County, Talbot County, Caroline County, Dorchester County, Wicomico County, Somerset County, Worcester County
About Prescription Opioid Settlements in Maryland
Maryland expects to receive over $687 million over the next 15 years through nine finalized settlements, with over $90 million expected for the Purdue Pharma settlement once finalized. Of this, approximately 70% will be distributed directly to counties, cities, and towns that joined the state’s settlements with prescription opioid manufacturers and distributors and retail pharmacies. The state has discretion over the remaining 30% of funds, half of which must be distributed through competitive grants.
As of the 2025 fiscal year, the state has received approximately $245.8 million. Nearly $170 million has already gone to or is available for use by counties, cities, and towns across the state, with more on the way. You can learn more about the state’s efforts to distribute settlement funds at StopOverdose.maryland.gov/ORF.
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Operating under the leadership of the Office of Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller and Special Secretary of Overdose Response Emily Keller, Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response works to increase collaboration across all state and local agencies working to reduce overdoses and increase access to substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery services across the state.
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