Community Groups Fighting Back Against Addiction in Maryland

If we have any hope at fighting back against the addiction epidemic, we all have to get involved. Federal and larger national organizations and agencies are doing their part, but we must remember that individuals and communities can also make a difference.

Local Marylanders Get Involved

There are several groups in Maryland, started by people who have in some way been affected by addiction on a personal level, that are doing their part to help struggling addicts and alcoholics. Many of these groups would welcome volunteers or donations, providing an opportunity for service and to contribute to a cause that touches us all.

Act Now Calvert

Act Now Calvert is a public-awareness campaign to educate Calvert County residents about the rising opioid and opiate abuse in the county. Their mission focuses on how prescription painkiller misuse transitions into heroin addiction.

https://www.facebook.com/ActNowCalvert/

Advocates For a Drug Free Calvert County – Team JAKE

ADFCC- Team JAKE is a grassroots organization dedicated to promoting addiction education and prevention programs in Calvert County. Their Facebook page lists their official activities as: “Support for available and affordable drug treatment programs;
Actively supporting legislation, policy and programs that (1) improve recovery outcomes (2) enforce tighter control of pain medication prescribing (3) improve education for youth and parents about substance abuse (4) promote healthy lifestyles in recovery for the recovered and their families; Lobbying for a Good Samaritan Bill in the State of Maryland, proven to save lives; Raising community consciousness about prescription medication substance abuse and how it relates to illegal substance abuse; Providing resource information and community support to family members of those struggling with addiction; Making every effort to dispel myths about addiction and reduce the stigma.”

https://www.facebook.com/Advocates-For-a-Drug-Free-Calvert-County-Team-JAKE-1397061117213775/

GRASP

Grasp was founded to provide help, support, and understanding to people who have lost loved ones as a result of substance abuse. They have meetings and events throughout the country, where people who have lost family or friends to addiction can find comfort in the company of others who have been through the same thing. The following are the Maryland chapters, but the website listed provides information for each state, as well as helpful resources.

http://grasphelp.org/

• • Perry Hall, Maryland GRASP Chapter
    Toni Torsch
    443-554-6150
    Third Wednesday of every month
    Camp Chapel United Methodist Church 5000 E. Joppa Road, Perry Hall MD 21128 (corner of Joppa & Honeygo)

• • GRASP Pikesville Chapter
    Sherry Wolf
    home 410-654-0644
    mobile 410-241-6040
    Owings Mills, MD. 21117

• • GRASP Chapter of Cecil County
    443-553-0523
    P.O. Box 154
    Colora, MD 21917

• • GRASP Howard County Chapter
    Arielle Sokoll-Ward
    443-535-5415
    Central Branch Library, Columbia MD
    First Monday of every month starting July 6th, 2015

• • GRASP Harford County Chapter
    Lisa & Craig McLaughlin
    410-879-8840
    Mt Zion Methodist Church
    1643 Churchville Rd., Bel Air, Maryland 21015
    2nd Wednesday of each month, 7pm

James’ Place Inc.

Barbara Allen started James’ Place following the devastating overdose death of her son. The mission of James’ Place is to bring help and awareness to those who suffer from addiction, and to educate the public on the disease so that the stigma can be removed. Their fundraising efforts not only provide scholarships to struggling addicts in need for necessary recovery services, but they also provide educational prevention/outreach programs geared towards public, local organizations and the medical community.

http://jamesplaceinc.org/

Project HOPE Thurmont MD

Project HOPE is a nonprofit that seeks to fight back against addiction and educate the public about the disease, through events and posts on their Facebook page, which regularly features stories of addiction, informative posts, and events that need volunteer support.

https://www.facebook.com/Project-Hope-Thurmont-Maryland-429314807203848/

Have or know of an organization that should be listed here? Tell us in the comments, and provide a link!

Help is Available

If you or someone you know is battling an addiction and needs inpatient care, call 1-800-203-2024, and let our qualified admissions team help you determine if Serenity Acres’ program could help change your life.