Annapolis To Launch Campaign Against Opioid Abuse

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The City of Annapolis will launch its “Naptown Anti-Dope Move(meant)” with a community engagement session from 12-3 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion at 1707 Forest Drive. The doors will open at 11:30 a.m.

Hosted by Mayor Gavin Buckley, Alderwoman Sheila Finlayson and William Rowel of the Mayor’s Office, the event will bring together resources, professionals and community members to help stop addiction and overdoses.

The Naptown Anti-Dope Move(meant) program will raise awareness of opioid addiction and the nine fatal overdoses in the city so far this year – seven of which involved African Americans, according to a statement from the Mayor’s Office.

“We must stop the overdoses and the crimes related to opioid addiction," Buckley said in the statement. "Our office is working directly with community leaders, substance abuse providers and mental health clinicians to determine long-term strategies to ending this epidemic.

"Substance abuse is a disease, not a moral failing," he said. "What is a moral failing is to stand by and do nothing."

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The mayor said that he and city officials are working to break down the stigma of opioid addiction, and dispel “the stereotypes associated with addiction therapy and treatment."

Saturday’s event will feature performances by local artists, as well as free food and drinks, "bringing people together to learn, to listen and to love one another,” the statement added.

Take the #OpioidFreeAnnapolis Pledge here.

Watch Mayor Gavin Buckley Take The #OpioidFreeAnnapolis Pledge below.

Release: City of Annapolis

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