> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.themontgomerybrief.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Montgomery County records 79 overdose deaths despite statewide decline
- URL: https://www.themontgomerybrief.org/montgomery-county-records-79-overdose-deaths-despite-statewide-decline/
- Published: 2026-08-21T00:11:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-29T16:46:08.000Z
- Author: Aline Barros
- Tags: News, Community

Overdose deaths involving fentanyl, opioids, and cocaine remain among the most common in Maryland, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

In Montgomery County, at least 79 residents died from overdoses over the past year. Statewide, 98 Latino men and 12 Latino women died from overdoses between August 2025 and July 2026.

Although state overdose deaths have declined compared with previous years, authorities urge residents to remain aware of risks and available resources.

Maryland recorded 1,408 fatal overdoses in 2025, a 50% decrease from a historic high of 2,800 in 2021 and the state’s lowest total in a decade. Fentanyl was involved in 66% of those deaths.

To mark International Overdose Awareness Day and the start of National Recovery Month, officials and community organizations will host a remembrance ceremony and resource fair on Saturday, Aug. 29, in Rockville.

The event will run from 9 to 11 a.m. at Memorial Plaza, 101 Monroe St., on the terrace between the Isiah “Ike” Leggett Executive Office Building and the Montgomery County Circuit Court.

It offers an opportunity to honor those lost to overdose, support people in recovery, and connect community members with prevention and treatment resources. This year’s program introduces the “Color for a Cause 1-mile Run/Walk/Roll,” designed to remember individuals lost to overdose and substance use while promoting recovery and reducing stigma.

The event will feature a resource fair with local health, behavioral health, and recovery providers, as well as community tents and food trucks. Attendees can tour the Community Opioid Prevention & Education (COPE) trailer, and participating students can earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours.

A commemorative photo display and memorial ceremony will honor those who have died. Residents can register for the event, sign up as resource providers, or submit photos for the memorial display online through Montgomery County’s 2026 IOAD Color Run, Walk & Roll registration page and the Montgomery Goes Purple submission portal.