CALVERT COUNTY, Md. – A new documentary, “Sharing Hope – Sharing Our Stories,” presents the personal accounts of five Calvert County residents affected by the opioid crisis, offering an intimate look at the journey through addiction and recovery. The short film, available on YouTube, emphasizes the idea that recovery is possible with community support, adequate resources, and a compassionate understanding of those impacted by addiction.
Watch the documentary below or at this link.
The project was initiated in 2021 and brought together a range of community members and organizations dedicated to addressing the opioid crisis. Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse’s (CAASA) Board of Directors and staff were joined by Calvert County Behavioral Health’s Katelynn Barkell and Chelsea Sims, J Allen Film LLC, Emily Bowen, and Flagship Cinemas.
Film participants include Sandy Mattingly, Gabe Stewart, Travis Boucher, Alison Foard Strotkamp, and Patricia Schleeter, each of whom shared their personal journeys with the opioid crisis in hopes of inspiring others.
The idea grew from “a conversation about the profound impact of the opioid epidemic on our community,” said a project representative. “Through interactions with local families, we heard deeply personal stories not only of loss, pain, and the challenge of accessing resources but also of hope and resilience.”
These stories revealed recurring themes, such as the ripple effect of opioid misuse on families and friends, the unique challenges each person faces on their path to recovery, and a significant gap in awareness about the resources available to support individuals and families. In response, CAASA and Calvert County Behavioral Health staff invited community members to participate in the film, hoping to spread awareness, reduce stigma, and guide others toward vital services.
The documentary’s central message—“recovery is possible with support, resources, and community understanding”—resonates throughout the film. A representative from the project emphasized that “recovery is achievable when individuals receive the right support, resources, and understanding, empowering them to find the resilience needed to overcome personal challenges and rebuild their lives.”
Calvert County offers a wide range of behavioral health services, including intensive outpatient programs and peer support systems, which pair individuals with people who have lived experience navigating recovery. These resources include housing assistance, substance use treatment, mental health services, and other critical needs.
By fostering a stigma-free, inclusive approach to recovery, these services encourage individuals to seek the help they need without fear of judgment. “This inclusive, stigma-free approach encourages individuals to seek assistance and empowers them to embrace recovery,” the project team shared, adding that the support network within Calvert County plays a pivotal role in the recovery process.
Statistics underscore the seriousness of substance abuse in Calvert County. As of October 2024, 38 non-fatal overdoses have been reported in the county, with opioids like fentanyl or heroin involved in 19 cases, according to the Calvert County Drug Intelligence Coordinator Report. Of these, nine cases involved a combination of drugs, such as fentanyl mixed with cocaine. There were also nine fatal overdoses during this period, with seven of these cases involving fentanyl or a mix of opioids with other substances. Overdose victims in Calvert County have an average age of approximately 40 years, with cases almost evenly split between males and females.
Encouragingly, non-fatal overdoses have declined significantly, dropping from 206 in 2019 to 105 in 2023. This decline is attributed to “increased Narcan availability in the community” and better access to essential services such as the Peer Recovery Support program, the Mobile Crisis Team, and Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). However, fatal overdoses have remained relatively stable, primarily due to the continuing presence of fentanyl in the community.
In addition to opioid misuse, the report also sheds light on youth substance use, which remains an issue in Calvert County. The 2022-23 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey shows concerning trends in alcohol, marijuana, and vaping product use among high school students. “Alcohol use among high school students has increased since 2021,” with 35% of 12th graders reporting drinking in the past 30 days. Marijuana use, which had briefly declined, is again on the rise, with 9.5% of 9th graders, 13.1% of 10th graders, and 19.5% of 11th graders reporting use within the last 30 days. Electronic vaping product use is also growing, with 18% of high school students currently using such products, reflecting an increase from 2021.
This data highlights the challenges of opioid misuse and growing trends in youth substance use across the community. With these complex issues persisting, Calvert County’s commitment to prevention, treatment, and support services is essential.
The “Sharing Hope – Sharing Our Stories” documentary aims to encourage those in need to reach out, find support, and recognize that recovery is possible. Through personal stories of resilience and recovery, the film strives to bring the community together in confronting the opioid crisis and supporting paths to healing.
You can find more information on the Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse page on the Calvert County Maryland website.
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