The study found that while U.S. overdose deaths dropped by 12% from May 2023 to May 2024, rates among Black Americans increased in many states, The New York Times reported Oct. 25.
In Arizona, Black overdose deaths rose by over 30%, while rates for white residents decreased slightly. Michigan also saw a 12% drop among white residents, compared to a 6% increase for Black residents. And in Maine, Black overdose rates jumped by more than 40%, whereas white overdoses dropped by 20%.
Public health experts attribute these disparities to systemic inequities in addiction treatment and overdose prevention resources. For example, naloxone, a key overdose reversal tool, has not been consistently available in communities with higher Black and Native American populations, according to the report.
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