"OK to Get High Here": Councilman Confronts Drug Crisis in East Baltimore

Addressing the Opioid Crisis in Baltimore: A Call for Action

Drug addiction has become a pressing issue in Baltimore, particularly in areas like East Baltimore, where Councilman Antonio Glover represents his community. During a recent Public Safety Committee hearing focused on opioids, harm reduction, and overdose prevention, Glover expressed frustration with the city’s current approach to addressing drug use. He emphasized the need for more decisive action rather than just discussions.

Glover highlighted that while the city's strategy of meeting individuals with drug addiction and mental health issues “where they are” is well-intentioned, it may not be effective in high-crime, low-income neighborhoods. He argued that this approach could send the wrong message, potentially encouraging drug use among young people.

“We’re allowing these individuals to come into a community which is very, very high in crime, but also which is very poor. It’s like we’re putting them in an area to signal, ‘It’s okay to get high here,’” Glover said. He pointed out that children as young as 13, 14, and 15 are using drugs and overdosing, which is a serious concern for the community.

Glover acknowledged that people struggling with drug addiction need help, but he believes that allowing these issues to persist on the streets is unfair to surrounding communities. He urged immediate action, stating, “I’m tired. I’m sure you guys are tired as well. But we’ve got to stop talking and do something about it, and we’ve got to do something about it right now.”

Councilman Mark Conway, who chaired the hearing, thanked Glover for his passion before moving forward with the discussion. Glover’s comments were part of a broader conversation about the opioid crisis in Baltimore, following similar concerns raised in previous hearings this month.

On July 9, residents in Morrell Park expressed frustration over the city’s distribution of Suboxone, a medication used to counter the effects of overdoses and treat withdrawal symptoms. On July 23, representatives from the community housing association Action Baybrook voiced worries about the concentration of psychiatric rehabilitation programs in poor, high-crime areas.

The hearing also included testimony from the city’s police, fire, and health departments, as well as addiction experts affiliated with Johns Hopkins University. Conway has been advocating for city agencies to address the opioid crisis, framing the hearing as an opportunity to understand how the situation became so severe in Baltimore.

Earlier this year, Conway’s push for public hearings put him at odds with Mayor Brandon Scott, who was concerned that such discussions could jeopardize ongoing legal efforts against pharmaceutical companies responsible for distributing drugs in the city. Despite this, the city has already secured over $400 million in settlements from companies like McKesson and AmerisourceBergen. However, a judge ruled that the original compensation awarded by jurors was “grossly excessive,” reducing the verdict by more than $200 million. This case remains ongoing and could lead to a retrial if the city does not accept the decision.

A second opioid hearing in Conway’s Public Safety Committee is scheduled for September 9, indicating that the conversation around the opioid crisis in Baltimore is far from over. The need for comprehensive strategies, community engagement, and effective policies continues to be a priority for local leaders and residents alike.