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For decades, people have quietly sought therapy in fear of encountering judgment from friends, family, or coworkers, hiding their struggles with mental health behind closed doors. In this insightful reflection, a retired clinical psychologist explores the three types of stigma that keep mental health sufferers isolated and urges for greater openness, understanding, and support in an era where the need for mental health care is at an all-time high.

Fentanyl smuggling is no longer just the domain of immigrants or cartels—U.S. citizens are increasingly being recruited as mules to carry the deadly drug across the border. With cartels offering quick, high-paying jobs and exploiting the loopholes in border security, thousands of Americans are unwittingly contributing to the fentanyl crisis, making the problem harder to combat.

Families, please not that there is NO CFF tomorrow, 11/5/2024 since Harford County Schools are closed for Election Day.

The Baltimore City Fire Department reports between 3,000 and 6,000 opioid overdoses annually, a figure that likely underrepresents the true toll due to unreported fatalities. As the city pursues legal action against major drug distributors for their role in fueling this crisis, officials highlight the profound impact on community health and emergency response resources.

This week, we celebrate a significant decline in drug overdose deaths in Maryland and Pennsylvania, with Harford County reporting its lowest fatalities in seven years. Key factors in this positive trend include increased access to naloxone and the growing presence of peer recovery specialists, demonstrating the community's commitment to combating addiction and supporting recovery.

Public health officials warn that Mexican cartels are increasingly blending the potent sedative medetomidine into street drugs like fentanyl, leading to a surge in dangerous overdoses across major cities. With no current testing strips to detect this lethal combination and no effective reversal with Narcan, experts fear this trend could undermine recent progress in reducing overdose deaths.

Starting next month, updated U.S. methadone regulations will allow stable patients to take home 28 days’ worth of medication, a significant shift from decades of strict clinic requirements. While this change promises greater access to life-saving treatment, experts warn its success depends on how states and clinics implement the new guidelines.

Recent data reveals a significant 10% decline in drug overdose deaths across the U.S., marking the largest decrease on record and highlighting the effectiveness of harm reduction strategies like naloxone and increased access to addiction treatments. While this progress offers hope, experts stress that the fight against overdose deaths is far from over, with vigilance still needed as communities navigate the evolving drug landscape.

Recent surveys show adolescent vaping has plummeted to under 6%, the lowest rate in ten years, thanks in part to stricter age restrictions and enhanced enforcement against illegal sales. While middle school vaping remains steady, the decline in high-nicotine e-cigarette use signals progress in curbing a trend that peaked in 2019, although flavored products still dominate the market.

The tragic case of 17-year-old Coco, who died after purchasing a counterfeit pill laced with fentanyl via Instagram, highlights the growing dangers of drug access through social media. As fentanyl overdoses become a leading cause of death among minors, experts urge stronger accountability from platforms like TikTok and Meta to prevent further tragedies in an era where illicit drugs are just a few clicks away.

Delegate for Religious Appointment September 2024

Human Trafficing

Please click here for information about the deadline for filing a claim of sexual abuse.

Click here to read about the current level of addiction in the United States.

Click here to find out more about our next monthly Bingo!

Our next distribution of casserole pans will be held on May 11th and 12th, 2024. The frozen casseroles will need to be returned to the Parish freezer by May 19th. If you have any questions, please contact Bob at crhoopert@zoominternet.ne

Click here to view the full schedule of events for visiting St. Bernadette's relics at the Cathedral of Mary, Our Queen in May.