I am a parent who has experienced the unimaginable pain of losing a child. My daughter passed away from a drug-related overdose, an incident that could have been prevented with better education and awareness among our civil servants.

In Baltimore, MD, where we reside, the rate of drug overdoses is alarmingly high. According to data from the Baltimore County Opioid Overdose website, Baltimore County had a total of 2018 drug related deaths from 2017 to 2023.

Our civil servants are often on the front lines when it comes to dealing with these crises. They interact with vulnerable populations daily and can play a crucial role in preventing such tragedies by being well-informed about substance abuse issues and how to respond effectively.

Therefore, we call upon local government agencies to prioritize comprehensive education for all civil servants relating to drug overdoses. This includes understanding different types of drugs, recognizing signs of overdose, knowing how to respond appropriately during an overdose situation and being aware of resources available for those struggling with substance abuse.

By doing so, we can hope that no other parent has to endure what I have gone through. Please sign this petition urging our local authorities in Baltimore City to take immediate action towards better education for our civil servants about drug overdoses prevention.