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Crisis and Community: Addressing the Overdose Epidemic in Black San Francisco



Did you know that between 2019 and 2020, overdose deaths among Black youth aged 15–24 rose by an unbelievable 86%? (1).



The overdose crisis has not only devastated families but also revealed staggering racial disparities, particularly in Black/African-American communities.



In San Francisco, the situation is even more dire: Black residents face an overdose death rate five times higher than the citywide average. (2). These devastating statistics make it clear—we need to act now.


At the heart of this crisis is fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that’s 50 times stronger than heroin. (3). It’s now a leading cause of overdose deaths in Black communities, and what’s even more alarming is how often people are exposed to it without knowing. Fentanyl is frequently mixed with other drugs, creating a hidden danger. On top of that, polysubstance use—mixing drugs like fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine—only intensifies the risk. (4). In San Francisco, most overdose deaths involve a deadly combination of substances. (5).


But the overdose crisis isn’t just about substances; it’s deeply rooted in systemic inequities. Poverty, systemic racism, and unaddressed trauma make Black communities especially vulnerable. In a city like San Francisco, where income inequality is stark, the disparities are glaring. For instance, Black residents accounted for 33% of San Francisco’s overdose deaths in the first half of 2023, even though they represent a much smaller portion of the population. (6).



That’s where the Jabali Youth Advocacy Program comes in. This program addresses substance use through culturally rooted, community-driven solutions. Jabali provides mentorship and education tailored to the unique needs of Black/African-American individuals and families, empowering teens to use their voices and become agents of change.


One of the most exciting aspects of Jabali is its focus on leadership development. Participants meet for two hours each week to learn about public policy and advocacy. This goes beyond preventing substance use; it’s about equipping young people with the tools to tackle the systemic issues fueling the crisis. By empowering youth to advocate for change, Jabali is building a generation of leaders who will drive meaningful transformation.


This crisis is about more than public health; it’s about racial and social justice. Programs like Jabali prove that culturally informed solutions can make a real difference. By prioritizing equity and addressing systemic inequities, we can save lives and build stronger, healthier communities. Together, we can turn the tide of the overdose crisis and create a future where every life is valued and supported.




Sources: 


1: Center for Disease Control and Prevention. “Overdose death rates increased significantly for Black, American Indian/Alaska Native people in 2020.” CDC, 18 July 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0719-overdose-rates-vs.html#:~:text=In%202020%2C%20the%20overdose%20death,race%20groups%20during%202019%E2%80%932020.


2: San Francisco Department of Public Health. “San Francisco Department of Public Health Overdose Prevention Plan.” SF, 2023, https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/SFDPH%20Overdose%20Plan%202022.pdf.


3: Drug Enforcement Agency. “Fentanyl.” DEA.gov, DEA, 2019, https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/fentanyl.


4: Friedman, Joseph et al. “Growing racial/ethnic disparities in overdose mortality before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in California.” Preventive medicine vol. 153 (2021): 106845. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106845


5: San Francisco Department of Public Health. “San Francisco Department of Public Health Overdose Prevention Plan.” SF, 2023, https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/SFDPH%20Overdose%20Plan%202022.pdf.


6: Sturm, Slyvie. “With Overdose Deaths Surging, Critics Chide City, State for Curbing Safe Consumption Centers.” sfpublicpress.org, San Francisco Public Press, 21 April 2023, https://www.sfpublicpress.org/with-overdose-deaths-surging-critics-chide-city-state-for-curbing-safe-consumption-centers/.





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