Opioid Response Program
Community Centered Solutions
At Elite Response Training, our diverse team of first responders and healthcare professionals is united by firsthand experience with Maryland's opioid crisis. The loss of 2,799 lives in 2020 alone compelled us to action. We leverage our collective expertise to empower individuals with life-saving skills, particularly for opioid overdose situations.
Working with the Maryland Department of Health, we address the growing disparities in overdose deaths. From 2016 to 2020, fatalities among non-Hispanic Black Marylanders rose by 64.5%, compared to 15.3% among non-Hispanic white Marylanders. Our programs aim to reach all communities, from urban centers like Baltimore City to rural areas.
Our goal is to foster a Maryland where everyone is prepared to respond to overdose emergencies. By equipping individuals with crucial skills like CPR and naloxone administration, we're building a network of capable responders. Through education and preparedness, we strive to reverse the trend of overdose deaths and create a safer, more resilient state.
Our Vision
A Step in the Right Direction
Elite Response Training, LLC was proudly accepted as Opioid Response Program (ORP). One of Maryland’s few for-profit companies that has proven it’s value to the community. With this new chapter, we get one step closer to making our communities more prepared, safe, and most of importantly whole again.
For more information about what an ORP is and how to become one, please click the here.
Our Serivces-
Community Classes
We believe that life-saving skills should be accessible to everyone. That's why we offer free community classes, bringing essential knowledge directly to you. Our team of experienced professionals provides hands-on training in two critical skills: hands-only CPR and naloxone administration. These classes are designed to teach community members with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies and opioid overdoses. Whether you're a concerned citizen, a family member of someone at risk, or simply want to be prepared, our community classes are open to all. After completion, each participant receives a free kit containing Narcan and other essential materials to support their newly acquired skills.
Ready to learn these vital life-saving skills?
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Event Collaboration
We believe in bringing vital skills to where people gather. Whether you're organizing a local festival, church event, healthcare fair, or music concert, we're ready to participate. Our team can set up an informational booth or table at your event, offering the same valuable training we provide in our free classes. We'll teach attendees hands-only CPR and naloxone administration, equipping them with crucial skills that can save lives. Each participant will receive a free kit containing Narcan and other important materials. By partnering with us, you're not just adding another feature to your event – you're giving your attendees the opportunity to learn potentially life-saving techniques and take home the tools to use them.
Interested in having us at your next event?
Get Narcan Delivered To You
Through a partnership between NEXT Harm Reduction and the Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition, Maryland residents can now have Narcan (naloxone) delivered directly to their door through trusted community partners. This free, mail-based service is designed for people who may not be able or prefer not to access in-person resources. To receive Narcan, simply complete a short 4-minute training video, take a quick quiz, and submit your enrollment information. The Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition will then mail your naloxone discreetly in a plain package. Training and enrollment are available in both English and Spanish.
Other Resources
MARYLAND CRISIS HELPLINE
Maryland’s Crisis Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can utilize the helpline for information about naloxone access, drug treatment, suicide prevention, mental health resources, or just to talk.
Call 2-1-1 and press 1, or text your ZIP code to 898-211.
Here2help hotline - BHSB
Behavioral Health Systems Balitmore has a 24/7 hotline available called Here2Help hotline that can connect you to various resources as well as someone to talk to during a crisis.
Call 410-433-5175.
Syringe service PROGRAMS
Across Maryland, many harm reduction programs offer more than just syringe and naloxone access—some also have on-site nurses and additional support services to meet your health and wellness needs. You can use the interactive map to find programs and resources near you.
Did You Save A Life Using Our Kits?
If you or someone you know has saved a life using the kits you received from us, please take a moment to let us know by filling out this quick form. Sharing this valuable information with the State of Maryland helps us secure funding to continue providing essential supplies and training to those in need. Rest assured, no private information will be collected or shared with law enforcement or immigration officers.
Fill out form below or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 to report it.
FAQs
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As an Overdose Response Program, we're authorized by the Maryland Department of Health to provide crucial services in our community. We offer free overdose prevention education and distribute Naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. Our goal is to equip community members with the knowledge and tools to prevent overdose deaths and promote safer practices.
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Naloxone is a life-saving medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. It works by blocking the effects of opioids in the body, restoring normal breathing. Available as a nasal spray (often known as Narcan) or injectable, Naloxone is safe, easy to use, and has no effect on someone without opioids in their system. It's a vital tool in preventing overdose fatalities.
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No prescription is necessary! As an authorized ORP, we can distribute naloxone directly to community members under a standing order. This approach makes it easier for people to access this important medication without the need for individual prescriptions.
See the standing order HERE
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We provide Naloxone free of charge to community members. This is made possible through public health initiatives aimed at reducing overdose deaths. By removing cost barriers, we hope to ensure that Naloxone is readily available to anyone who might need it in an emergency.
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While we provide brief training on Naloxone use, it's designed to be simple to administer, even in stressful situations. Our training covers recognizing overdose signs, administering Naloxone, and follow-up steps. However, even without formal training, the Naloxone kits include clear instructions for use in emergencies.
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No, you're protected under Maryland's Good Samaritan Law when carrying or using Naloxone. This law encourages people to seek help in overdose situations without fear of arrest or prosecution for certain offenses. It's designed to prioritize saving lives in emergency situations.
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If you suspect an overdose:
Try to wake up person. (Shout their name and pinch their shoulder)
No response? Call 911!.
Give Naloxone (Push 1 spray into any nostril).
Perform rescue breathing (if necessary) and start CPR.
Not improving? Give 2nd dose. (If no improvements after 2-3 minutes, give 2nd dose into opposite nostril).
If the person begins breathing on their own, or if you have to leave them alone, put them in the recovery position.
Remember, quick action can save a life. The Good Samaritan Law protects those who assist during an overdose emergency.
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Our program operates through a collaborative effort between Elite Response Training and the Maryland Department of Health. The state provides us with essential supplies such as Narcan, fentanyl testing strips, and xylazine testing strips. We complement these resources by funding additional components of our kits, including CPR masks, gloves, and other materials.
Furthermore, we allocate a portion of the proceeds from our paid training sessions towards community efforts, including the creation and distribution of these free Narcan kits. This approach allows us to reinvest in our community and ensure that life-saving resources are accessible to all.
By combining state-provided resources with our own financial investment, we're able to offer comprehensive, high-quality kits at no cost to participants. This model reflects our commitment to community health and our belief in the importance of widespread access to overdose prevention tools.