Development of Maryland Local Overdose Fatality Review Teams: A Localized, Interdisciplinary Approach to Combat the Growing Problem of Drug Overdose Deaths.

The Maryland Local Overdose Fatality Review Teams (LOFRTs) are multiagency, multidisciplinary teams that critically analyze individual cases of drug overdose in their jurisdictions to identify preventable risk factors and missed opportunities for intervention, and to make policy and programmatic recommendations to prevent future overdose deaths. Three Maryland LOFRTs were first piloted in early 2014, and became established in law in May of the same year. LOFRTs provide unique opportunities for enhanced interagency collaboration and locally driven prevention efforts. This study describes the process of establishing LOFRTs in Maryland. The experiences and information regarding LOFRTs may help counties in other states combat the growing problem of deaths by drug overdose.