In Houston, Texas, a pressing concern looms large: the rising tide of overdose deaths, particularly among older Black men. The African American Male Wellness Agency is stepping up to confront this crisis head-on with a mission that blends compassion with practical intervention. As the opioid epidemic continues to evolve, their efforts are not only timely but also critical in a community where healthcare access has historically been limited.
Recent studies underscore the urgency of the situation. The National Institutes of Health reports that overdose deaths among Black men aged 55 and older have surged nearly fivefold from 2015 to 2023. Alarmingly, in 2023, the death rate for this demographic was nearly triple the national average for their age group. While some statistics indicate a decline in overdose rates at the national and state levels for 2024 and 2025, the grim reality is that the trend for older Black men continues to rise, highlighting a glaring gap that needs addressing.
On a typical afternoon in downtown Houston, the community gathers, sharing stories of loss and survival. Tenisha Carter, a concerned local, reflects on her personal losses, stating, “I just lost two friends to an overdose, so yeah, I worry about it every day. Especially because they are so young.” This sentiment is echoed by Curtis Young, an Army veteran who has triumphed over addiction. Having once experienced homelessness and addiction firsthand, Young is now dedicated to helping others navigate their paths to recovery. “This is where I started at… every day, this is where I slept at, homeless,” he recalls, offering a poignant glimpse into his past.
Young’s partner, Shawn Allison, carries a similar story of transformation. After battling addiction to codeine since the age of nine and facing multiple prison sentences, Allison experienced a life-altering moment when he lost his father. “That was the straw that broke it,” he said, emphasizing that personal loss became the catalyst for his recovery. Together, Young and Allison leverage their lived experiences to connect with those still trapped in the cycle of addiction. “Who better than us? We come from the street, we know the lingo and they see us; they know I was out there selling, he was out there using,” Allison explains. Their authenticity resonates deeply in the community, serving as a beacon of hope.
At the heart of their efforts is Narcan, a life-saving nasal spray that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. While it is a critical tool in combating the crisis, accessibility remains a challenge. Although Narcan does not require a prescription, it is often not covered by insurance and can be prohibitively expensive for many. The African American Male Wellness Agency has received a $1 million grant from the Harris County Health Department to facilitate Narcan distribution, aiming to make this essential resource available to those who need it most.
Dr. Donnell Cooper, the agency’s Executive Director, articulated the urgency of their mission: “As quickly as we can get it, we’re getting it out to the community.” This proactive approach includes not only distributing Narcan but also training police officers, local businesses, and community members to recognize and respond to overdose situations. The agency’s work is crucial in rebuilding trust within the community, where hesitation to seek medical help is prevalent. Dr. Jocelyn Williams, a program manager with the agency, highlights the importance of addressing this barrier: “There is a lack of trust with the community and going to the doctor, going to the hospital, reaching out for help when help is needed.”
The journey toward recovery is profoundly personal and varies from individual to individual. Shante Francis, Executive Director of Meet the Streets, emphasizes the importance of understanding each person’s unique story. “Each person’s story is different. I don’t think of it in a sense of what someone is doing to themselves because if I don’t know their story, then we don’t know why somebody is making the decisions they make.”
Through their shared experiences and the support of the African American Male Wellness Agency, Young and Allison are not only transforming their own lives but are also dedicated to empowering others in their community. Their work is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of community-led initiatives in addressing public health crises. By fostering understanding and building connections, they are paving the way for a more hopeful future, one where recovery is not just a possibility but a reality for those willing to seek it.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research
