Flashpoint: The drug epidemic surged during the pandemic, especially for Black Philadelphians

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health reported that 2020 saw the highest deaths by opioid overdose that Philadelphia has experienced since 2017. PDHP noted that in 2020, overdoes death rates among white people dropped by 10%, but increased by 29% among those in communities of color. This week on Flashpoint, we discuss how the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on people of color, and why the surge of deaths were likely made worse by the effects of the pandemic. Clayton Ruley, Prevention Point Philadelphia's Director of Community Engagement and Shannon Ashe, Harm Reduction Worker share their efforts in bringing awareness and help to communities of color.This week's Newsmaker is Brooke Feldman, a local community organizer and advocate surrounding issues of drug user health, addiction and recovery. After spending years in recovery herself, She is now widely known across Philadelphia as a voice for social justice and an advocate for the improvement of the healthcare system.The Philly Rising Changemaker of the week presented by Patriot Homecare is Moor Ali El of Urban creators, one of several local organizations working with the city to prevent overdoses in communities of color, and on a mission to train community members in harm reduction so they can carry on the mission throughout the neighborhood.Flashpoint is sponsored by the Gift of Life Donor Program.