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Boston Globe

We can't just stand by as older Black men bear brunt of opioid crisis

We must double down on the promising investments to end the overdose crisis and take collective, evidence-based action. We must listen closely to those on the front lines and provide the resources needed to support comprehensive and sustainable approaches across the care continuum in their communities. Harm reduction must be prioritized because it increases the odds of survival. Get The Gavel A weekly SCOTUS explainer newsletter by columnist Kimberly Atkins Stohr. Enter Email Sign Up After much hard work, overdoses are finally trending in the right direction overall; however, our efforts will not be a success until we see all populations benefiting from this decline. Advertisement Julie Burns President and CEO RIZE Massachusetts Foundation Boston Systemic failures are at the heart of the issue In Boston, a silent crisis unfolds among older Black men, starkly revealed by 2022's grim statistics: Drug overdoses claim them at rates far exceeding the national average. This isn't just about addiction; it's a narrative of systemic failures. Decades of institutional racism, economic segregation, and punitive drug policies have left these men uniquely vulnerable to the opioid epidemic, now made even worse by fentanyl. The response has been inadequate, with treatment programs often culturally misaligned. As these men age, their plight is deepened by isolation, which has been worsened by recent global health crises. We must act. Treatment must be culturally tailored, acknowledging these men's unique socioeconomic realities. We need to shift from punishment to rehabilitation within our criminal justice system, ensuring law enforcement aids in solutions. Opioid settlement funds should be used effectively, respecting community needs. Addressing broader social determinants like housing and health care is essential. Advertisement This isn't merely a health crisis; it's a societal one. We call for a narrative shift from blame to understanding, urging research to guide policy. Let's honor the men of this generation, not in death but in the life we help them reclaim. Ronald Beaty West Barnstable