Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller Delivered Remarks on Overdose and Substance Use Recovery Efforts at Two Maryland Events

ANNAPOLIS, MD Oct 19: 
Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller will be providing remarks and participating in two major events highlighting the impact opioids and overdose have had on our state, and the critical ways in which our communities can rally against this issue. 

On Wednesday, October 9, she will join Special Secretary Emily Keller and White House Director of National Drug Control Policy Dr. Rahul Gupta on a visit to John F. Kennedy High School, where they will participate in a school assembly to highlight the dangers of illicit drugs and the life-saving effects of opioid overdose reversal medications like naloxone. 

During the assembly, the Lieutenant Governor will speak to the dignitaries, and 400-500 students in attendance before introducing Dr. Gupta, who will host a live naloxone demonstration to educate students on the importance of this life-saving tool. Dr. Gupta and Lieutenant Governor Miller will tour the school’s Wellness Center to learn about the mental health and substance use services provided for students on campus. The school assembly and tour will be open to press, with media availability following the assembly. 

On Thursday, October 10, Lieutenant Governor Miller will headline the Mobilize Recovery Day in Baltimore alongside Special Secretary Keller and local leaders as the Mobilize Recovery Across America Bus Tour rolls into Baltimore for a day of service. 

The event will include remarks from the Lieutenant Governor, advocates, and leaders from the recovery community. In addition to remarks, there will be an opportunity to sign the Recovery Bus and leave a message of hope, resource tables and on-demand services, Naloxone training, and an Advocacy Action Area where community members can get involved in local advocacy campaigns.

“It's important that we share our stories about substance use and overdose, and work collaboratively with the community on education surrounding life-saving measures,” said Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller. “The Moore-Miller Administration is committed to partnering with local communities to break the stigma around addiction, and ensure we create a system where every Marylander is educated on how to save the life of another, and can access the resources they need.”

“The Biden-Harris Administration has made supporting our nation’s youth and improving their well-being a top priority,” said White House Drug Policy Director Dr. Rahul Gupta. “As a former student of Kennedy High School, I’m looking forward to being back at my alma mater today to meet with the students and teachers who are leading by example and ensuring that young people are nurtured in a safe, supportive, and thriving environment. As part of President Biden and Vice President Harris’ Unity Agenda efforts to address the nation’s overdose epidemic, we will continue working to provide schools and communities in Maryland and across the country with the tools and resources they need to prevent youth substance use and fatal overdoses.”

“Events like these that increase awareness in schools are crucial for our efforts to reduce overdoses,” said Special Secretary Keller. “We have to have open and honest conversations with students about the risks they face as overdose trends continue to evolve. We also need to empower students to respond in the event of an emergency. Educating young people about how to use naloxone and about how our Good Samaritan Law will protect them if they call for help can save lives.”