Thomas F. Stallworth, III
Opioids kill an average of 136 Americans every day. Within the last five years, 15,152 Michigan residents have died from an overdose. And while none of us are exempt from substance use disorder (SUD), communities of color are particularly vulnerable. Black residents are nearly twice as likely to die of an overdose compared to all other races.
There are certain demographics, populations and regions that are more susceptible to the effects of SUD, so Michigan's Opioid Task Force is working diligently to raise awareness and provide resources to help prevent people from being exposed to opioids, increase access to treatment close to home, and support those who are in recovery.
The task force is served by members from across the state who help advise and collaborate with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). It has two overarching goals: reduce overdose deaths in the state and eliminate racial disparities in overdoses.
By embedding equity in every decision, prioritizing the needs of Michigan’s vulnerable populations, and ensuring efforts are supported by data with clear measures to gauge results, those goals will be accomplished.
MDHHS, with the support of the task force, created the Substance Use Vulnerability Index which creates a score for each county by combining information on access to services, social vulnerability in a community and data on substance use in a region. This will help the state and local communities identify and address inequities in access to resources to better deliver services to those who need them most.
Substance use disorder is destroying lives and families, and it will take all of us to make a change – even if it’s as simple as having a conversation with a skeptical neighbor or family member who isn’t yet convinced this is a problem.
Since February is a month when we highlight the rich contributions of Black citizens, who are one of the most vulnerable populations impacted by substance use disorder, I believe this is the perfect time to bring attention to the opioid issue and how to tackle it through an equity lens.
Michigan must continue to be a leader in the fight against opioids so we can reduce harm, eliminate racial disparities and stop the senseless deaths caused by unnecessary exposure, barriers to treatment and a lack of support for those who are trying to get better.
Tommy Stallworth is a former state representative and MDHHS' senior advisor and consultant.