Examining the cultural and community contexts to address opioid misuse and OUD in Black communities

While Black Americans have similar rates of opioid misuse as national rates, Black Americans in urban areas have seen the sharpest rise in opioid drug death rates, with the biggest rise from synthetic opioids. Disparities in access, utilization, retention, and recovery outcomes for Black patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) have been well-documented. The overall goal of my research program is to improve quality and equity in the prevention strategies and access to treatment in Black communities. In order to achieve this health equity goal, I will develop a culturally centered program from the results and synthesis of multiple projects that illuminate the opioid crisis in Black communities through a Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) framework. This research centers the priorities of the Black communities by engaging them in research to address and alleviate the burden of opioid misuse in a culturally responsive and respectful manner.