Post about rapper’s death ignites conversation about overdose prevention

Another X post perpetuated stigma against harm reduction programs.

This past week, an X post claiming to share details about the recent death of rapper Rich Homie Quan—whom many believe died from an overdose—fueled the most online conversation about opioids. Another X post claiming to share a video of a “fentanyl bazaar” perpetuated the false claim that harm reduction programs enable drug use.In response, public health communicators may recirculate information outlining the signs of an overdose and when and how to use naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose. Sharing resources for those who have been affected by overdose deaths or for those who are supporting loved ones living with substance use disorder is also recommended. Communicators may continue to stress that harm reduction programs benefit communities and do not enable drug use.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about opioids

On September 10, an X post claimed to share new details about the death of rapper Rich Homie Quan, who died on September 5, allegedly due to an overdose. According to the post, Quan’s brother found him passed out on the kitchen floor with food in his mouth and moved Quan to the couch, where Quan’s girlfriend later found him unresponsive. The post received approximately 4.8 million views, 46,000 likes, 5,100 reposts, and 1,100 comments as of September 18. In the comments, X users shared what they would have done in the situation. Some questioned why Quan’s brother didn’t seek medical attention, and others stated that passing out is “normal behavior” for people who use drugs. One popular comment asked people not to blame Quan’s brother for Quan’s death, since he was likely used to Quan passing out due to alleged drug use. Some comments stressed the importance of carrying naloxone.

On September 12, another X post shared a video of what the user claimed to be a “fentanyl bazaar” in San Francisco, where they “actually encourage [drug use] by handing out paraphernalia.” The post received approximately 7,000 views, 440 likes, 300 reposts, and 40 comments as of September 18. While what’s happening in the video is unclear, many comments demonstrate stigmatizing attitudes toward harm reduction programs, with some claiming that they “enable” drug use, a sentiment that opponents of harm reduction often repeat. One comment claimed that substance use disorder is a “major cash crop in San Francisco.”

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Recommendations for public health professionals

Each week, the Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about opioids.

Given the uptick in conversation about how to respond to an overdose, public health communicators may recirculate information outlining the signs of an opioid overdose and how to help someone who may be overdosing. Messaging may emphasize that bystanders witnessing a possible overdose should dial 911, administer naloxone, check for breathing, perform CPR if trained in it or if instructed by a 911 operator, and stay with the person until help arrives. Communicators may explain that naloxone is safe to administer even if a person isn’t overdosing or isn’t overdosing on opioids. Additionally, many states have Good Samaritan laws protecting people who are overdosing and those assisting them from legal consequences. Recirculating information about where people can access naloxone and how to use it correctly is recommended.

As false claims that harm reduction programs enable drug use continue to circulate, reiterating that harm reduction programs like syringe services programs do not increase drug use or crime is recommended. Research shows that harm reduction programs save lives and reduce the spread of infectious diseases.