Effective Approaches to Reduce Overdose Deaths in African American Communities

On December 8, Kimberly Douglas made an emotional visit to her son Bryce’s grave at National Harmony Memorial Park in Landover. Nearly 18 months have passed since 17-year-old Bryce’s life was tragically cut short by a fentanyl overdose. The date marked Worldwide Candle Lighting Day, a global observance dedicated to honoring children who have passed, and for Kimberly, it was a solemn moment of remembrance and resilience. This day resonates deeply with families facing the pain of loss due to substance abuse, shining a spotlight on the devastating reach of the opioid crisis. Kimberly’s journey echoes a powerful truth: behind every statistic is a grieving family and a life full of potential gone too soon. As the opioid epidemic continues to affect countless communities, moments like this transform personal grief into a rallying cry for awareness, support, and meaningful change in the fight against addiction.