United Coalition East (UCEPP) is on a mission – a mission to engage Skid Row’s most vulnerable populations to challenge the systemic conditions and social disparities that threaten a healthy environment.
In commemoration of International Overdose Awareness Day, which occurs on August 31, UCEPP and its Coalition members held a press conference emphasizing the urgent need to curb soaring overdose deaths in Skid Row. Numerous media outlets from The Los Angeles Times, Daily News, Orange County Register, La Opinion, and Fox 11 covered our press conference. It highlighted the urgent need to address the rising overdose deaths in Skid Row, emphasized the devastating impact of fentanyl on the community, and stressed the need for comprehensive interventions and resources to combat this crisis.
During 2022, there was a total of 148 overdoses in the three Skid Row zip codes 90013, 90014, and 90021. This marks an alarming increase of 1,038% in fatal overdoses, up from just 13 in 2017. Even more concerning, fentanyl played a role in a staggering three out of four overdoses according to data obtained by the Coalition which is comprised of service providers, scholars, and activists. Particularly concerning is that overdose fatalities aren’t limited to intentional use by those addicted to opioids. Accidental consumption, often due to fentanyl-laced drugs, also contributes to the problem. According to Los Angeles Daily News, this crisis has disproportionately affected Skid Row’s Black community, with 59% of reported fatalities in 2022 being Black individuals. Among women, a staggering 73% of the 33 overdose deaths were Black women.
“These are not just numbers and statistics, these are friends, family, and loved ones,” said Charles Porter, the Program Director for UCEPP. “We must stop the rise in overdose deaths and cannot tolerate another loss.” And to achieve this, UCEPP and fellow advocates are demanding action from our elected officials.
The Coalition’s demands include:
- making naloxone, a life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication, readily available in all Skid Row hotels,
- increasing access to treatment for substance use disorders in the area, and
- implementing a Crisis Response Plan for all Skid Row buildings.
The group is also calling to make information about the rise in overdose deaths, related risks, and prevention strategies available. Additionally, the need to strengthen tenant and unhoused community resilience against overdoses by using strategies like the buddy system, floor captains, wellness checks, and support groups should be implemented.
(Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Danielleneika Graham, a Social Model Recovery Systems employee and member of the Skid Row community, shared her painfully personal story of losing her friends to overdoses. Despite her hardships, she continues to move forward and improve her circumstances with dignity and pride.
Social Model Recovery Systems stands with the Coalition to demand a compassionate, equitable, comprehensive response that includes overdose prevention, expanded substance use treatment options, and the equitable distribution of critical resources to address social determinants of health.
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