Milwaukee County opioid epidemic ‘hitting the Black community hard’

MILWAUKEE – Since June 2022, the Milwaukee County health worker stories 211 overdose deaths. The CEO of a Milwaukee habit remedy heart stated the variety of overdoses is rising amongst a specific a part of the inhabitants.

 “I’ve recognized fairly a couple of individuals who’ve misplaced their lives to overdoses,” stated Keunn Bellinger.

Bellinger is aware of the ache of opioid habit.

“I began off with painkillers, primarily,” stated Bellinger.

He additionally is aware of what the opposite aspect — restoration — appears like.

“There may be hope, and also you don’t need to die utilizing medicine,” stated Bellinger.

Bellinger discovered assist at Serenity Inns in Milwaukee. It is a transitional residential facility for folks battling drug abuse. Now, he works there as an innkeeper, setting an instance for the individuals who come by the door.

“I’ve observed extra overdose and extra people calling now to get into remedy,” stated Kenneth Ginlack, CEO.

SIGN UP TODAY: Get each day headlines, breaking information emails from FOX6 Information

Ginlack stated they typically have a waitlist, and that coincides with the spike in opioid overdoses and deaths he is seen within the final two years.

“The opioid epidemic is hitting the Black group exhausting, and we have to concentrate,” stated Ginlack. 

A current evaluation from the CDC says deadly overdoses elevated by 44% amongst Black folks in 2020 in comparison with 2019. Ginklack stated it is an epidemic in every single place, however notably on Milwaukee’s south aspect.

Serenity Inns in Milwaukee

“I imagine it’s hit more durable in these communities, within the Black and brown communities, as a result of plenty of people don’t know how you can entry remedy,” stated Ginlack.

In 2021, the Milwaukee County health worker reported 613 overdose deaths.

By spreading consciousness and sharing sources, it is a stat Ginlack hopes to by no means beat.