Summary: While much of the social and political attention surrounding the nationwide opioid epidemic has focused on the dramatic increase in overdose deaths among white, middle-class, suburban and rural users, the impact of the epidemic in communities of color has received less attention. It is important to recognize and be responsive to historical and ongoing trauma, particularly trauma experienced in health systems and through the criminalization of the war on drugs. This trauma is often perpetuated by the lack of community-based prevention, intervention and access to treatment, especially culturally competent care, as well as the lack of addressing cultural stigma related to seeking treatment in communities of color. Join this important discussion about the wide ranging impact of the opioid epidemic. NOTES Supported by Bay Area Community Health
