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The Issue of Drugs in Philly

By: DeAsia Greene & Rokiya Boggan

OVERVIEW

Drug abuse is the excessive use of psychoactive drugs, such as alcohol, pain medications, or illegal drugs.

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We hope to bring awareness to the community in Philadelphia about making a change when it comes to drug abuse.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

  • Philly's street drug supply has become more unpredictable, and has been increasing the risk for overdose

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  • Fentanyl is a strong synthetic opioid.It is a top local drug threat in the Philadelphia area.

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OBJECTIVES

  • Reduce underage substance use among youths under the age of 21.

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  • Identify risk factors associated with drug abuse.

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  • Promote public awareness against the effects of illegal drug use.

WHAT WE LEARNED

Thank you for your investment in Youth Leaders: City of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University Sears think[box]; SEVEN; Darrell McNair & The President's Council; Growth Opportunity Partners; RPM International Inc.; CHN Housing Partners; AT&T; Ratner Family Foundation; Zoe Kimmelman/Jewish Federation of Cleveland; Youth Opportunities Unlimited; The Vanguards of Cleveland & Cleveland Fire; National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE); Cleveland Cavaliers; Tasty Treasures; Grandma Greene; and The CREW Foundation.

PROPOSED SOLUTION

SPECIAL THANKS

  • In 2021, 1,276 people died of an unintentional drug overdose in Philadelphia

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  • Tranq (xylazine) has become a bigger part of Philly’s street fentanyl supply.

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  • In 2020, unintentional overdose deaths increased by 9% and 6% from 2018 and 2019.

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SOURCES

https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cycp-cpcj/dr-al/lp-pl/index-eng.htm#:~:text=Objectives%3A,and%20the%20consequences%20of%20it.

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https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/prevention#:~:text=Substance%20Use%20Disorder%20Prevention,-Talk.&text=Campaign%E2%80%94Aims%20to%20reduce%20underage,substance%20use%20with%20their%20children.

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https://www.phila.gov/2023-04-26-how-philadelphia-is-responding-to-the-overdose-crisis-in-2023/#:~:text=Philly's%20street%20drug%20supply%20has,not%20meant%20for%20human%20use.

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  • Helping people who use drugs to get the harm reduction and treatment resources they need

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  • Structured treatment programs, substance abuse counseling, and 12-Step programs