Maryland Overdose Deaths Reach 10-Year Low After 26% Decrease in 2025

Fentanyl-related deaths dropped by 31% as the state expanded overdose response programs.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:23pm

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Overdose deaths in Maryland have reached a 10-year low after decreasing by 26% in 2025, according to the governor's office. The state's Overdose Data Dashboard shows there were 1,315 overdose deaths in 2025, a 53% decrease from a high of 2,800 in 2021. Fentanyl-related deaths dropped by 31% from 1,314 in 2024 to 906 in 2025.

Why it matters

The decline in overdose deaths in Maryland is a significant public health achievement, as the state has grappled with an opioid crisis that has claimed thousands of lives in recent years. The data suggests that the state's efforts to expand access to naloxone, distribute drug test strips, and address the root causes of addiction are starting to pay off.

The details

The data shows that overdose deaths dropped among all drug categories and demographic groups last year. Black residents across the state saw a 31% decrease in fatal overdoses, while white residents saw a 22% drop. However, overdose rates for Black men over the age of 55 were still three times higher than their white counterparts. In 2025, Baltimore recorded a total of 568 overdose deaths, including 425 that involved fentanyl, representing a nearly 27% decrease compared to 2024.

  • In 2025, there were 1,315 overdose deaths in Maryland, a 53% decrease from a high of 2,800 in 2021.
  • Fentanyl-related deaths dropped by 31% from 1,314 in 2024 to 906 in 2025.
  • In 2025, Baltimore recorded a total of 568 overdose deaths, including 425 that involved fentanyl, a nearly 27% decrease compared to 2024.

The players

Maryland's Overdose Data Dashboard

A state-run data platform that tracks overdose deaths and other related metrics.

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What’s next

Marylanders struggling with substance abuse or a behavioral health crisis are encouraged to call or text 988 to access support services.

The takeaway

The significant decline in overdose deaths in Maryland is a positive step in the state's ongoing efforts to address the opioid crisis. However, disparities in overdose rates among different demographic groups remain, highlighting the need for continued targeted interventions and support services.