NCJ Number
161253
Date Published
1995
Length
67 pages
Annotation
This report contains the proceedings of the seventh semiannual meeting of the Maryland Statewide Epidemiology Work Group (SEWG), whose mission is to track, monitor, and analyze trends and patterns of use for legal and illegal substances throughout the State.
Abstract
Specific objectives of the SEWG are to provide accurate and timely assessment of local alcohol and drug abuse trends, identify emerging drugs of abuse, determine at-risk populations and environments for program interventions, identify measures for program evaluation and resource allocation, and develop baselines for local program initiatives. SEWG meetings (twice annually) provide a forum for mutual exchange among representatives from local jurisdictions (counties and municipalities) and key State agencies. Following an outline of the meeting's agenda, highlights are presented from the Drug Epidemiology Networks of Harford, Prince George's, St. Mary's, and Washington Counties. Information for Harford County addresses arrest data, treatment admissions data, and data on the work of the Joint Narcotic Task Force. Information from Prince George's County encompasses the interpretation of drug indicators, alcohol and drug abuse, and cocaine abuse among women of childbearing age. The St. Mary's County report considers alcohol abuse, abuse of illicit drugs, and a community survey. Information from Washington County focuses on trend analysis and community surveys. Topical reports address drug use in Washington, D.C.; drug use among juvenile detainees in Maryland; national trends and suggestions for a State model; current issues in drug policy; and drug-related deaths in Maryland. Also included are a SEWG membership list, a list of meeting attendees, and appended results of the May 1995 participant survey.