Combatting Fentanyl: How We Can Protect Black Lives from Overdose Tragedies

(By Genoa Barrow | OBSERVER Senior Staff Writer) Although opioid overdose deaths nationwide have decreased by 24%, disparities persist for African Americans. A new initiative, “You Have the Power to Save Lives,” aims to enhance naloxone access in Black communities across seven U.S. cities, supported by Vital Strategies. The campaign encourages individuals to carry narcan, emphasizing that overdose prevention is a community responsibility. Unfortunately, Black overdose rates are rising significantly, exacerbated by stigma and inadequate resources. Community leaders advocate for broader naloxone distribution to combat this crisis effectively.