Delaware seeks to support programs to address overdose death rates in African-American community

Quick Summary:

July 3rd 2023: Delaware is making grant money available to help reduce overdose deaths in the African American community.

According to health officials, the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health with make eight grants available for community organizations that promote awareness about the issue. Data shows that between 2021 and 2022, overdose deaths in the Black community grew by five-percent.

“Overdose deaths among African American/Black Delawareans rose from 22% to 29% between 2021 and 2022,” DSAMH Director Joanna Champney said. “We know that community-based organizations are the engines managing crises before people get to the hospital. That’s why it’s so critical for us to engage our community partners.”

In addition to the mini grants, DSAMH also seeks partnerships with community organizations and leaders that are interested in conducting education/awareness campaigns and refining them with a special emphasis on underserved populations. The campaigns will focus on reducing stigma around substance use disorder and the use of medications for Opioid Use Disorders, promoting awareness of and access to substance use disorder treatment and recovery services, preventing SUD among youth and adults, promoting access to Narcan, and highlighting recovery stories.