Baltimore County Launches Public Dashboard to Track Opioid Settlement Spending

Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier announced Wednesday the launch of a new public dashboard that gives residents unprecedented access to information about how opioid settlement funds are being spent to address the addiction crisis in their communities.

The interactive tool, which went live this week, allows county residents to track settlement dollars received by Baltimore County, view detailed breakdowns of how those funds are being utilized, and learn more about specific programs aimed at preventing overdoses and supporting families affected by addiction.

"People need to know where this money is going and whether it's making a difference," Klausmeier said in a statement. "Families across Baltimore County have felt the impact of the opioid crisis. This dashboard gives residents an easy way to see how we're using these funds to prevent overdoses and help people and families affected by addiction."

Local Accountability in Action

The Baltimore County dashboard represents a growing trend among local governments to increase transparency around opioid settlement funds — money received from legal agreements with prescription opioid manufacturers, distributors, and retail pharmacies found responsible for fueling the nation's addiction epidemic.

The funds are disbursed through the state and managed by the Baltimore County Opioid Abatement Fund, which was established in 2022 to address local impacts of substance use disorder. The settlement money supports a range of initiatives, including:

• Treatment and recovery programs — Expanding access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and residential services
• Prevention and education — School-based programs and community outreach
• Harm reduction services — Naloxone distribution and overdose prevention training
• Family support services — Counseling and resources for families impacted by addiction

The county's dashboard complements the statewide Maryland Prescription Opioid Settlement Dashboard, which launched last month under legislation passed during the 2025 General Assembly session (HB 798/SB 589). That statewide tool tracks approximately $747 million expected over 15 years from finalized settlements.

The Scope of the Crisis

Despite recent progress in reducing overdose deaths statewide, Maryland continues to grapple with significant substance use challenges. According to state data, 969 Marylanders died from opioid-related overdoses between May 2025 and April 2026 — a reminder that even as fatalities decline, the crisis continues to claim nearly 1,000 lives annually in the state.

Baltimore County, like many suburban jurisdictions surrounding major cities, faces unique challenges. The county must balance urban density in areas closer to Baltimore City with more rural and suburban communities where access to treatment services can be limited.

The dashboard aims to help residents understand not just where money is going, but how local officials are prioritizing limited resources across these diverse communities.

What Residents Can Find

The Baltimore County dashboard provides several key features for residents:

Fund Tracking: View total settlement dollars received by the county and how those funds compare to allocations across Maryland's other jurisdictions.

Program Breakdowns: See which specific initiatives are being funded, from emergency response improvements to long-term recovery housing.

Geographic Distribution: Understand how resources are being distributed across different council districts and communities within the county.

Outcome Metrics: Track progress on key indicators like overdose reversals, treatment admissions, and naloxone distribution.

This level of transparency allows community members to hold local officials accountable while also helping families identify available resources in their areas.

Why Transparency Matters

The launch of Baltimore County's dashboard comes at a critical moment for opioid settlement accountability nationwide. With more than $50 billion flowing to states and localities over the next two decades, advocates have emphasized the importance of ensuring these funds actually reach evidence-based programs rather than being diverted to unrelated government expenses.

Research from the Opioid Settlement Tracker and other watchdog organizations has shown wide variation in how different jurisdictions handle settlement funds. Some counties have invested heavily in treatment infrastructure, while others have faced criticism for using settlement dollars to fill budget gaps.

Baltimore County's approach — creating a public-facing tracking system — aligns with best practices recommended by public health experts and addiction advocates. By making spending visible and accessible, the county enables community oversight and helps ensure settlement funds fulfill their intended purpose: addressing the addiction crisis at the local level.

Looking Forward

The dashboard will be updated regularly as new settlement payments arrive and programs launch or expand. County officials have indicated they will use resident feedback to improve the tool's functionality and ensure it meets community needs.

For families seeking treatment resources, the dashboard includes links to the Maryland Crisis Helpline and information about accessing services funded through settlement dollars.

As more Maryland counties consider similar transparency measures, Baltimore County's dashboard may serve as a model for how local governments can build public trust while effectively deploying resources to combat addiction.

What This Means for Families

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use in Baltimore County, the dashboard offers a starting point for understanding what help is available — and how to advocate for additional resources if gaps exist in your community.

Key takeaways for families:

• Settlement funds are being invested locally — The dashboard confirms these dollars are flowing to Baltimore County programs, not disappearing into state coffers.
• Treatment access is expanding — Look for MAT programs, recovery housing, and counseling services funded through settlement dollars.
• Your voice matters — Transparent tracking enables community members to advocate for priorities that match local needs.
• Help is available now — Don't wait for settlement-funded programs to launch; existing resources like the Maryland Crisis Helpline (dial 988) provide immediate support.

The opioid crisis has devastated communities across Maryland, but tools like Baltimore County's dashboard represent a step toward accountability, transparency, and ultimately, healing.

For immediate help with substance use or mental health concerns, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for free, confidential treatment referral services.