Overdose deaths among Black and Hispanic residents surge in Mecklenburg County
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Overdose deaths have surged 200% among Black and Hispanic residents since 2019 in Mecklenburg County, according to public health data.
Why it matters: Although Mecklenburg County has noted progress in slowing the rate of overdose deaths among white residents, the opposite trend is occurring among Black and Hispanic residents.
- Overdose deaths among white residents in Mecklenburg County increased just 14% in the same period.
"The opioid epidemic is still here," says Public Health Director Dr. Raynard Washington. "The epidemic is impacting every corner of our community."
The big picture: Historically, opioid overdose rates have been higher among non-Hispanic whites. However, the recent surge among minorities underscores how the rise of fentanyl is hitting all communities hard.
- Mecklenburg County medical examiner Dr. Thomas Owens says many people who died had unknowingly taken fentanyl mixed with other street drugs, such as cocaine and illegally pressed pills.
By the numbers: 27.8% of 1,387 overdose deaths since 2019 in Mecklenburg County were attributed to fentanyl, according to the public health dashboard.
Zoom out: North Carolina saw one of the biggest drops in its fatal drug overdose rate in the country in 2024, Axios previously reported. The fatal overdose rate per 100,000 people fell by 19.4% between 2022 and 2023.
- However, per CDC data, North Carolina still had 33.7 fatal drug overdoses per 100,000 people in 2023.
Zoom in: Zip code 28208 in the west Charlotte "crescent" accounted for 891 overdose-related emergency department visits — the most in the county.
What they're saying: Public Health officials are warning people not to share pills or take illicit drugs.
- People should be aware of the signs of an overdose and obtain naloxone, or Narcan, especially if they or someone they know is struggling with addiction.
- Residents can request free naloxone through the Mecklenburg County Public Health website.