Older Black Men and the Opioid Crisis in Chicago: A Hidden Tragedy
Latricia Walker-West, an outreach worker with the West Side Heroin and Opioid Task Force, hands out Narcan nasal spray to residents on West Congress Parkway in Austin. This scene illustrates a stark reality: in Chicago, and across several other US cities, Black men born between 1951 and 1970 are dying from opioid overdoses at alarming rates—a crisis largely overlooked by government and private agencies. This demographic is dying at nearly ten times the county average and fifteen times the national average, with fentanyl frequently involved. In Cook County alone, this group accounted for nearly one-quarter of all opioid overdose deaths through November 10th of this year.
James Stewart, a 60-year-old recovering heroin addict, exemplifies this tragic trend. He began using heroin in 1987, becoming a “functional addict” while maintaining employment. His sobriety is a result of Cook County drug court, a lifeline he credits with saving his life. However, many of his peers have not been so fortunate. Data analysis reveals a consistent pattern: this specific group of Black men has faced disproportionately high overdose risk for decades, regardless of age. This alarming statistic is highlighted in a collaborative investigation by The Baltimore Banner, the Chicago Sun-Times, The New York Times, and other news organizations.
Despite the severity of the issue, targeted aid for this population is lacking. Prevention efforts focus on broader geographic areas rather than addressing the specific vulnerabilities of older Black men. Medical experts point to systemic inequities: Black men with opioid addictions receive less care, are less likely to be offered medication-assisted treatment, and often receive lower doses when prescribed. Furthermore, experiences of disrespect within the healthcare system deter many from seeking help.
Billions of dollars are flowing into state governments from opioid lawsuits, yet initiatives specifically addressing older Black men remain absent. Dr. Tanya Sorrell, director of Rush University Medical Center’s Substance Use Disorder/Center of Excellence, notes the lack of targeted programs despite efforts to address underserved groups in funding applications.
The West Side Heroin and Opioid Task Force, along with others, are advocating for change. The reasons behind this disproportionate impact are complex and deeply rooted in systemic racism and historical inequities, including segregation, economic hardship, and predatory marketing of drugs in low-income communities.
Neighborhoods like Austin and West Garfield Park, and even previously affluent areas like Chatham, are experiencing clusters of these overdose deaths. This underscores the widespread impact, extending beyond traditionally high-risk zones. The resulting disparity in life expectancy for Black Chicagoans is significant, influenced by factors beyond opioid overdoses, including homicide, infant and maternal mortality, and chronic diseases.
The solution requires a multi-pronged approach. Increasing access to Narcan is crucial, as demonstrated by the West Side Heroin and Opioid Task Force’s outreach efforts. However, addressing the root causes necessitates improved access to care, overcoming mistrust in the healthcare system, and acknowledging the underlying health issues that often accompany addiction. Initiatives like Cook County’s drug court and the city’s programs targeting high-risk neighborhoods offer some avenues for intervention, but a more targeted approach is crucial.
The stories of James Stewart, Algie Woods, and the anonymous daughter of a deceased heroin user highlight the human cost of this ongoing crisis. Their experiences underscore the need for compassion, understanding, and targeted interventions to save lives and address the historical injustices contributing to this devastating trend. The lack of fear surrounding heroin use amongst Stewart’s generation and the subsequent development of fear in later generations, as well as the impact of crack cocaine and the prescription opioid crisis, further complicate the picture. While opioid deaths have declined recently due to factors such as increased outreach and reduced fentanyl availability, the underlying systemic issues remain. The ongoing need for targeted support and systemic change is clear, particularly for the vulnerable older Black men disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis.