The Impact of the Opioid Epidemic On Minorities In Indiana

When a New York State Senator said, “It’s not a ghetto drug. It’s happening to doctor’s kids,” he was referring to opioids.  He was also describing two mindsets – one focused on criminality, the other on treating a disease.

And many perceive racial and ethnic implications in these two ways of thinking about the opioid epidemic.  The topic is explored in a 90-minute conversation hosted by WFYI’s Side Effects health reporting unit in partnership with the Indiana Minority Health Coalition.

Guests:  Jocelyn Bush, MD, specialist in anesthesiology and pain management; Brad Ray, PhD, mental health and criminal justice researcher, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis; Ronald Sullivan, director of Harvard’s Criminal Justice Institute; Joselyn Whitticker, president of the Grant County (Indiana) Minority Health Coalition

Moderator:  Michael Twyman, PhD, consultant and associate faculty member at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

Learn more about Side Effects Public Media

Learn more about the Indiana Minority Health Coalition

Related News

Despite concerns from families, FSSA says attendant care transition will continue as planned
Health / May 6, 2024

Despite concerns from families, FSSA says attendant care transition will continue as planned

The Family and Social Services Administration plans to move forward with a significant change to a Medicaid program utilized by more than 1,600 children with disabilities despite concerns from caregivers. The agency responded to recommendations made by families of Medically complex children to the governor.
Read More
Curbs can be a physical and social barrier for wheelchair users. One program teaches kids to roll past them
Health / April 30, 2024

Curbs can be a physical and social barrier for wheelchair users. One program teaches kids to roll past them

People who use wheelchairs don't always have access to necessary training to be able to learn advanced skills that allow them to navigate an often inaccessible world. One program in Indiana aims to address that.
Read More
Families raise concerns on attendant care issue, present recommendations to governor
Health / April 29, 2024

Families raise concerns on attendant care issue, present recommendations to governor

With about two months left before a significant change to a Medicaid program for medically complex individuals, some families say the Family and Social Services Administration has failed to communicate with caregivers and other stakeholders. A grassroots organization of family caregivers met with the governor and FSSA to express its concerns with the change.
Read More