Photo Credit: Polly Irungu, Executive Office of the Governor

A strong turnout for action

On Tuesday, February 10, more than 100 people gathered on Lawyer’s Mall in Annapolis for Maryland’s second annual Overdose Prevention Advocacy Day. Organized by Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response with support from a planning committee of partner organizations, including the Alliance, the event brought together people with lived and living expertise, loved ones, service providers, advocates, and policymakers to call for continued action to reduce overdose deaths in Maryland.

A rally that brought leaders and community together

The day began with a rally outside the State House. Speakers included Lt. Governor Aruna Miller (pictured above), Special Secretary Emily Keller (pictured below), and Secretary of Health Meena Seshamani, along with legislators who have been leaders on our issues.

Photo Credit: Polly Irungu, Executive Office of the Governor

The crowd reflected the breadth of Maryland’s response to the overdose crisis. People with lived and living expertise stood alongside loved ones, frontline workers, advocates, and public officials. Alliance members were there as part of that broad coalition, helping show that overdose policy must be shaped by the communities most affected.

Turning public support into direct advocacy

After the rally, participants broke into three groups, one lead by Alliance members, and headed to the House and Senate office buildings to meet with lawmakers and staff about our legislative priorities. The message was clear: Maryland must continue investing in prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services. Each is essential to a real response to overdose.

Why days like this matter

Advocacy days like this matter because they connect public visibility with direct legislative outreach. They create space for community members, advocates, and service providers to speak with lawmakers about what is working, what is missing, and what Maryland must do next.

For the Alliance, this is part of a larger commitment to showing up in Annapolis, working in coalition, and pushing for policies grounded in dignity, health, and real-world experience.

Be part of this work

We are grateful to Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response for organizing the day and to the many partners who helped make it possible. We are also grateful to everyone who came to Annapolis and added their voice to the call for continued action.

Photo Credit: James Peak

Want to be part of the movement? Become a member of the Alliance.