Written by Dwayne D. Royster
Across Philadelphia, the overdose epidemic is tearing families apart and destroying lives. Marginalized communities are suffering the most, continuing a cycle of suffering resulting from generations of disinvestment and exacerbated by COVID-19. We must take a thoughtful and compassionate approach to dealing with this crisis.
First, we must face a sober reality. Black communities now bear the brunt of the overdose epidemic. In 2021, there will be more Black people in Philadelphia. died more people overdose than members of any other group; Fatal overdoses are increasing rapidly That’s true for black Philadelphians more than any other group. In 2022, the city’s Number of deaths due to unintentional overdose The number of was almost tripled. murder.
As a faith leader, I mourn with the families of overdose victims and dream of the day when no family will have to bear such grief. Our faith calls us to set aside fear and prejudice and to respond to the needs of all people.
To truly address this issue, we cannot take tools off the table. Cities around the world have been using overdose prevention centers for decades. By preventing diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C, the Center opens the door to treatment, reduces the impact of drug use on surrounding communities, and saves lives while saving millions of dollars in health care costs. has been proven to save. One study found a net reduction in overdose deaths of 26%. Around Vancouver’s Safe Consumption Sites. At another facility in Barcelona, mortality rates fell by 50% from 1991 to 2008.
The City Council recently banned lifesaving overdose prevention centers in much of Philadelphia. This ban appears to be pre-emptive and largely symbolic. A federal court has already banned such centers from operating in the city.
It is true that people have serious concerns about the ongoing effects of this crisis, including historically-based fears that black and brown communities will bear a disproportionate burden of dealing with the crisis. is.
However, my concern with such bans is that they limit evidence-based treatment and undermine the idea that criminalization rather than science is the appropriate response to the drug crisis, even if unintentionally. It is also important to strengthen the
For more than half a century, the war on drugs has fueled racial discrimination without keeping drugs out of communities.Black Philadelphia man arrested for marijuana possession 3 times more often As are their white neighbors. Although the United States accounts for her 5% of the world’s population, twenty five% of the world’s incarcerated people, disproportionate Many of them are black and brown. If criminalization were successful in combating the drug crisis, we would expect Black and brown communities to have the lowest overdose rates, but instead Philadelphia has the highest overdose rates.
It is time to consider tools that other countries have successfully adopted. This means reducing barriers to treatment for addicts, legalizing marijuana, expunging the records of neighbors convicted of nonviolent crimes, and, of course, considering overdose prevention centers.
Before safe consumption sites open, we need to openly discuss concerns that they could increase crime and worsen quality of life issues.
However, a blanket ban is not the best way to address these concerns, and collaboration among elected leaders, community members, and treatment providers is the best way.
I would like to emphasize Councilman Gauthier’s cautious approach to this issue. Although she did not oppose her decision for her council colleagues’ districts, she chose to carve out her own district from this new ordinance. She acted on her belief that safe injection facilities require committed public engagement through the existing zoning process.
Proverbs 31:8-9 says to us: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and for the rights of all people in poverty. Speak up and judge fairly. Let’s protect people’s rights.” As an advocate for our most vulnerable friends, families, and neighbors, Councilman Gauthier refused to pre-emptively ban something that could save their lives. . Her choice is likely to spark a broader conversation among policymakers rooted in prioritizing the needs of affected families above all else.
At this pivotal moment, let us reaffirm our commitment to our communities, our faith, and the values that unite us. Together, we can confront the opioid crisis with compassion, data-driven solutions, and an unwavering belief in the power of hope. The lives of our loved ones are at risk.
Bishop Dwayne D. Royster is Executive Director of POWER Interfaith and POWER Action Fund.
