Awareness, Prevention, and Healing: Taking Action Against Opioid and Stimulant Misuse in Our Community
- AAEW
- Mar 5
- 3 min read
As we step into March, AAEW is committed to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and fostering healing in our communities. The opioid and stimulant crisis continues to disproportionately impact African Americans, leaving families and neighborhoods grappling with its devastating effects. This month, we focus on educating, empowering, and supporting individuals and families to take action against substance misuse and its far-reaching consequences.
The Crisis in Our Community
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a public health crisis, with opioids like fentanyl and stimulants like cocaine causing a significant rise in overdose deaths. According to recent studies:
*80% of deaths involve opioids, and fentanyl is a leading contributor.
(*Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
African American communities are experiencing a troubling increase in overdose rates, often due to systemic health disparities and stigma surrounding treatment.
Many substances, including marijuana and cocaine, are now being laced with fentanyl, increasing the risk of overdose even for first-time users.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and accessible treatment options within our communities.
What Can We Do?
At AAEW, we believe that every individual, family, and congregation has a role to play in addressing this crisis. Here’s how we can take meaningful action together:
Raise Awareness Knowledge is the first step toward prevention. By understanding the dangers of opioid and stimulant misuse, we can educate our families, friends, and communities. Did you know that a dose as small as two milligrams of fentanyl—equivalent to just a few grains of salt—can be fatal? Sharing facts like these can save lives.
Promote Prevention Prevention begins at home and in our churches. Conversations about substance misuse should be open and judgment-free. Parents and guardians can educate children about the risks, and church leaders can offer guidance rooted in faith and compassion. Additionally, harm reduction tools such as naloxone and fentanyl test strips are critical resources that can prevent overdoses and reduce harm.
Support Healing Recovery is possible, and faith can play a vital role in the healing process. Stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help, but our churches can be safe spaces where people feel supported and encouraged to pursue treatment. By partnering with local agencies and peer recovery coaches, we can connect those in need with the resources to rebuild their lives.
Faith in Action: AAEW’s Role
AAEW is dedicated to ensuring that African Americans have access to available, affordable, and equitable treatment. Through our Faith Partners, we empower congregations to:
Share accurate information about SUD and OUD.
Host harm reduction training sessions, including naloxone administration.
Engage in outreach events to connect individuals with treatment and recovery resources.
Break the stigma around addiction by fostering understanding and compassion within the faith community.
How You Can Get Involved
This March, we invite you to join us in our mission to combat substance misuse and promote healing in our communities. Here are a few ways to make a difference:
Attend a Workshop: AAEW offers training sessions to educate individuals and congregations about prevention and harm reduction strategies.
Become a Church Champion: Volunteer to lead efforts in your church to raise awareness and provide resources.
Spread the Word: Share our social media posts and blog content with your network to amplify the message.
Together, We Can Save Lives
Awareness, prevention, and healing are powerful tools in the fight against substance misuse. By coming together as a community rooted in faith and compassion, we can save lives and build a future where recovery is not just possible—it’s celebrated.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call (513) 221-4357 for confidential support, or contact AAEW at info@hcaaew.com for more resources.
Let’s make March a month of action, hope, and healing. Together, we can create lasting change.
