Opioid-related deaths continue

Although drug overdose deaths are declining in the United States, they continue to rise in communities of color. In San Francisco, California, for example, a new ordinance prioritizing treatment and long-term sobriety is being considered. The city, hit hard by the rise of fentanyl, is adopting the “Recovery First” approach, joining other cities such as Philadelphia.

Laura Guzman, executive director of the National Harm Reduction Coalition, reports that there has been no decline in overdose deaths and comments on how she sees the Latino community in this landscape.

She comments that despite the mayor’s limited efforts, Latinos are the most affected.

She also points out that there are other vulnerable communities, such as the Asian community.

She clarifies that it is not the homeless or people without homes who die most from overdoses.

She explains what the San Francisco mayor’s policy of having a program called “Recovery First” consists of.

She says it is important to distinguish between the different models for addressing the problem of addiction.

Laura Guzmán, executive director of the National Harm Reduction Coalition, interprets this as a commitment to long-term recovery.

Laura Guzmán, executive director of the National Harm Reduction Coalition, acknowledges that drug use and abuse often arise from mental health issues.

She says that they must be in Spanish, culturally appropriate, and understanding.

Finally, she acknowledges that if we find ourselves in a situation of drug use, we can seek help in our community and also remember that Naloxone exists, which can prevent death from overdose.

This is part of the Closing the Gap series and is partially funded by The Sierra Health Foundation.