Prince George's County, Maryland, USA
Interior Nat Harbor

Go Slow

Go Slow Campaign

About Go Slow

The Go Slow campaign was created by Bmore POWER with support from Behavioral Health System Baltimore, the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs and Mission Media. To learn more about the process for creating Go Slow, read – Go Slow: Baltimore’s Peer-Led Harm Reduction Campaign.

Harm Reduction Tips

Don’t become a statistic.Take action to protect yourself from overdose.

  1. Carry Naloxone
    Naloxone is available at all pharmacies in Maryland.
  2. Go Slow
    Start with a very small amount to test the strength.
  3. Never use alone
    Use with someone and take turns in case one of you needs naloxone.
  4. If you must use alone, have someone check on you.
  5. Talk to friends and family about what to do if you overdose.
  6. Test for fentanyl.

What does this mean?

Go Slow

If you use drugs, take action to prevent overdose. When you take a drug, start with a very small amount to test the strength. Don’t slam it. You can always take more, but you can never take less. If you inject drugs, inject a little bit first and wait 20 seconds to see how strong it is. If it feels off, consider not using it or using less than planned. Be sure someone with you has naloxone.

If you use heroin, pills or even other drugs in Maryland, there’s a good chance you’re using fentanyl. Fentanyl has caused a huge spike in overdose deaths. Fentanyl acts FAST. Be careful.

Number of Fentanyl Related Deaths in Maryland, 2007-2018

Go Slow Chart


Maryland's Good Samaritan Law

Don’t be afraid to call 911 if you witness an overdose. Under Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law if you help someone who is overdosing:

Don’t Run, Call 911

  • You cannot be arrested or charged for possession of small amounts of drugs, paraphernalia or providing alcohol to minors.
  • Your parole and probation status will not be affected.
  • You MUST be helping the individual who is overdosing for this law to apply to you.

Tips When With The Police

  • You have the right to document the scene.
  • You always have the right to remain silent.
  • You don’t have to agree to a search or to hand over your cell phone.