A Pennsylvania Department of Health study reveals a stark racial disparity in the administration of naloxone, a life-saving opioid overdose reversal drug. Black Pennsylvanians who succumbed to opioid overdoses were 50% less likely to have received naloxone compared to their white counterparts, despite a more than 50% increase in Black overdose deaths from 2019 to 2021. This contrasted with no significant change in white overdose deaths during the same period.
The Department’s representative highlighted the complex nature of this issue, citing the rapidly changing drug supply, particularly the prevalence of fentanyl, and inequities in access to substance use disorder treatments as potential factors.
Abenaa Jones, an epidemiologist at Penn State, underscored the role of the criminal justice system and the fear of arrest for drug paraphernalia, which disproportionately affects minorities and limits access to harm reduction services.
The study’s findings underscore the urgent need for addressing systemic and cultural barriers that contribute to health disparities, ensuring equitable access to life-saving interventions across all communities.
The study’s findings underscore the urgent need for addressing systemic and cultural barriers that contribute to health disparities, ensuring equitable access to life-saving interventions across all communities.
