interpersonal relationships and establishing one-on- one connections with someone who has had similar experiences. Ensuring opioid education campaigns include Black/African Americans that are relatable to the intended audience is key to having an impact. This establishes credibility and counteracts the common theme, “Where are all the Black people?” repeatedly shared by key informants. Using plain language and language that is culturally appropriate to the community in educational materials, awareness campaigns, and presentations is needed. There is a lack of public awareness campaigns about opioid misuse and OUD for Black/African American communities, including campaigns focused on harm reduction strategies such as syringe services programs and naloxone education and distribution . 4. Employ culturally specific engagement strategies-- "The opposite of addiction is not abstinence, it's connection." A key component of some Black/African American cultures is the value placed on interpersonal relationships and one-on-one connections. Entering a Black/African American community and sharing data and statistics that paint a negative picture of the population before establishing a trusted relationship is culturally inappropriate. Ignoring history and context breeds mistrust and a sense of devaluing the community. Asking to learn from the community, recognizing their assets, and acknowledging failed and successful policies is critical to engaging the community. Connect with culturally similar support groups. For people with SUDs, support groups are often a key component of their recovery. These groups bring together people who want a drug-free life, and to learn skills to conquer cravings. They are people who need support during difficult emotional times and who share similar life experiences around substance misuse and SUD. Support groups focused on SUDs can be organized around the particular substance, or by age, gender, religion, or another affiliation. These support groups bond individuals through a cultural tie.
Community Snapshot: Tailoring to midlife Black/African American women with OUD—Prime Time Sister Circles. The Prime Time Sister Circles® (PTSC) is a program of The Gaston & Porter Health Improvement Center, Inc., a non-profit developed by two midlife Black women health professionals. PTSC addresses the unique impact of gender, race, age and class experienced by midlife (40-75 years of age) Black/African American women. These women, continually underserved in the health care system, are at high risk for developing chronic emotional and physical health problems including opioid/heroin misuse and OUD. Even when they complete treatment programs, these women face stressors that often make it difficult for them to remain drug-free. PTSC is an evidenced-based, culturally competent support group intervention that is community based, socially innovative, and holistic. The PTSC meets two hours a week for 13 weeks using a cognitive-behavioral approach. It provides a safe, supportive space in which women can learn to see themselves as more than their OUD. The general PTSC curriculum was adapted to address issues relevant to midlife Black/African American women with OUD. PTSC helps them address challenges such as single parenthood, incarceration, co-existing emotional and chronic
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THE OPIOID CRISIS AND THE BLACK/AFRICAN AMERICAN POPULATION: AN URGENT ISSUE
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