INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — “Every life is precious. We want everyone to be able to recover, but we know that’s not possible when you’re dead,” said Charlotte Crabtree, diversity and outreach program manager at Overdose Lifeline.
Overdose Lifeline partners with IU’s School of Public Health.
Overdose Lifeline studied four Indianapolis zip codes ahead of 2022 and found that, on average, Black people make up about 50% of the population but 70% of overdose deaths.
Since 2022, overdose deaths have dropped by 25%. Crabtree calls that promising, but says more can be done.
“What can we do? What is my contribution? How can I contribute, because it is a community problem and it takes community to solve it,” Crabtree said.
Overdose Lifeline said they gave out more than 250,000 doses of Narcan or naloxone last year, and they plan to distribute even more this year. Community involvement is one way to reduce overdose deaths.
“We are focused on education and naloxone distribution and making sure we have naloxone boxes placed throughout the community,” Crabtree said.
The city’s emergency overdose kits contain free naloxone. Another way to address this issue is to hold town hall meetings to answer questions, provide education, and create a place to listen.
Team member Claire Anton goes into the community to distribute harm reduction kits.
“Always have naloxone with you,” said Anton. “You never know who you might encounter. It’s a drug that can save a life.”
In Indiana, anyone can administer naloxone to someone who has overdosed. Those who administer naloxone are protected from prosecution under Aaron’s Law and the Overdose Good Samaritan Law.
The next free town hall meeting will take place on August 17 at Martin University, and organizers expect about 250 participants.
