Officials in Maryland recently restarted its harm reduction training program based in Baltimore that focuses on overdose response and addiction-related public health services. Responders in the Free State went more than half a year without statewide training to handle overdoses.
Earlier indications were that a program would launch in fall 2025 and a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. called HealthHIV opened registration for a new curriculum in December. However, classes did not start until late January 2026.
Training Gaps in Baltimore’s Harm Reduction Programs
Previous programs provided training on syringe services, overdose prevention and workforce certifications. Over 8,500 staff members went through 22,000 course sessions that resulted in a historic decline of 25.5% in Baltimore fatalities in 2024.
This prior program halted last summer. The closure limited organizations’ ability to onboard workers amid increased scrutiny of harm reduction services and persistently high overdose deaths.
A New Harm Reduction Training Academy in Maryland
This new pathway is the Opioid Associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Programs Academy. It features self-paced classes covering motivational interviewing, de-escalation tactics and community-based addiction outreach. Staffers also plan to produce a podcast to highlight frontline experiences.
Executive director Brian Hujdich maintained that HealthHIV adequately covers the state’s needs. “HealthHIV has a deep understanding of Maryland’s harm reduction community and workforce” that is “informed by our direct local service over many years and through various state-wide programs throughout Maryland.”
Not everyone agrees. Local organizations have expressed concern about the transition. In November, one director was skeptical. “We’ve been waiting months for it. We’re expecting now to wait until January for that to come out?”
HealthHIV has acknowledged the challenges. Training director Melissa Kelley observed, “Everything is changing right now.” For expectant clients, Kelley said, “I assure you that not only will you be in great hands, but we are available and we want your feedback.”
State officials remain confident that HealthHIV’s experience and capacity will allow Maryland to continue supporting its harm reduction and addiction-response workforce effectively.
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