Articles call attention to overdose deaths among Black men in Baltimore

Last week, the New York Times and the Baltimore Banner reported that Black men in their “mid-50s to early 70s” in Baltimore account for nearly 30 percent of overdose deaths, despite making up just seven percent of Baltimore’s population. According to the New York Times article, “Black men of that age in the city are more likely to die of overdoses than cancer or Covid at the height of the pandemic; drugs are essentially tied with heart disease for their top killer.” In response to social media posts sharing these articles, some social media users expressed shock that this age group uses drugs, while many others politicized the issue by blaming Democrats and immigrants for the opioid crisis.

Recommendation: Trending conversations about overdose deaths provide an opportunity to recirculate existing messaging about the signs of overdose and how harm reduction programs prevent overdose deaths. This is especially relevant to community-based organizations and other partners in Baltimore, as well as community-based organizations and other partners throughout the U.S. that primarily serve Black communities and older adults. Messaging may emphasize that harm reduction programs prevent overdose deaths by providing tools like drug test strips, naloxone, and referrals to care. Ensuring that informational materials use destigmatizing language to refer to people who use drugs and include clear instructions on when and how to use naloxone is recommended.