The stark reality of the opioid crisis has left countless families grappling with loss, but advocates are working to ensure that lifesaving measures like naloxone reach Black communities. For Kimberly Douglas of Bowie, Maryland, the pain of losing her 17-year-old son Bryce to a fentanyl overdose remains a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need for education and accessibility.

On December 8th, Douglas visited Bryce’s gravestone at National Harmony Memorial Park in Landover, nearly 18 months after his passing. Bryce was home from school early that tragic day, resting in his bedroom just one room away from his mother. When she found him unresponsive, she frantically searched for naloxone, a medicine that can reverse an overdose. Overwhelmed with panic, she couldn’t locate it—only to later discover it in Bryce’s pocket. The medication that could have saved him was within reach but went unused.

Tracie Gardner, Executive Director of the National Black Harm Reduction Network, and Daliah Heller, Vice President of Overdose Prevention Initiatives at Vital Strategies, highlighted Douglas’ story in an op-ed for the Washington Informer, emphasizing that while overdose deaths have declined nationally, they continue to rise in Black and Indigenous communities.

Over the past five years, the U.S. has seen over 500,000 overdose deaths, but the latest CDC data reveals a 17% decline in fatalities from September 2023 through August 2024. However, disparities persist, with Black and Indigenous populations experiencing disproportionately high overdose rates. Experts point out that the opioid crisis has often been framed as a predominantly white issue, leaving many Black communities less informed about the dangers of fentanyl-laced drugs.

“Drugs popularized in hip-hop culture, like Percocets and Lean (codeine), aren’t typically labeled as opioids,” Gardner and Heller wrote. “Many people don’t realize that fentanyl is widespread in the drug supply, heightening the risk of overdose.”

Determined to prevent more tragedies, Douglas has become an advocate for awareness and action. She founded the Facebook group Black Moms Against Overdose to connect families, share resources, and break the stigma surrounding substance use and mental health in Black communities. “There’s such a stigma in Black families when it comes to discussing substance use disorder and overdose,” Douglas said. “After Bryce passed, I immersed myself in this world to inform others about what our children face and how we can save them.”

Gardner and Heller stress that local governments must partner with Black community leaders to distribute naloxone and overdose prevention information. “Engagement is critical to ensure equitable access to naloxone and reduce disparities in overdose deaths,” they stated.

Naloxone is easy to use and available for free at most local health departments and through a growing network of community partners. It can also be purchased over the counter at pharmacies. The key to saving a life is rapid administration at the first sign of an overdose. Family members, friends, and community members can all play a role in preventing loss.

To further amplify this lifesaving message, advocates are launching the Naloxone In Black media campaign in seven cities this March, aiming to expand awareness and accessibility for Black communities.

For more information or to join the movement, visit Black Moms Against Overdose on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/569231315512728/.