In June, the SOS Berks Healthcare and Treatment Committee hosted a luncheon and invited leaders in the Berks County African American community to hear a presentation and engage in a conversation on how to reduce African American overdose deaths in the county. More than 20 people community leaders attended the event including church leaders, magisterial district justices, business owners, community non-profits and more.
Committee members provided a presentation with data that shows that African Americans are disproportionately impacted by overdoses in Berks County, but are less likely to seek treatment.
Following the presentation, the group engaged in a discussion in an effort to find solutions. All participants agreed to continue to work to reduce overdose deaths by providing literature to their groups, hosting a meeting for SOS Berks to present to their members, and distributing Narcan.
We are grateful to all who attended this event, and we are hopeful that our combined efforts will lead to positive change that saves lives in our community.
Click here to learn about treatment options in Berks County.