County Executive Jan Gardner today unveiled a billboard that
illustrates the sobering impact of the heroin and opioid epidemic that has 
destroyed lives in Frederick County and
across the nation. In Maryland, more people are dying from overdoses than
are killed in car accidents or by homicide. Drugs are tearing families
apart, leaving a wake of destruction, affecting many people beyond those with
addictions.
“The numbers we posted on the new billboard today are
sobering and we want everyone to take to heart the seriousness of the substance
abuse crisis,” said Executive Gardner. “In the first quarter of 2017,
someone in Frederick County overdosed from an opioid, on average, every single
day. Every week and a half, another person died. The billboard will raise
public awareness as part of the county’s fight to end this vicious cycle.”
The
billboard is located on Rt. 85 in front of the Work
Release Center of the Frederick County Adult Detention Center, 7301 Marcie’s Choice Lane. The statistics posted
on the billboard note that there have been 96 non-fatal overdoses and 15 lives
lost this year. The numbers will be updated each month so drivers in both
directions can see the strong message.