The scourge of fentanyl is running rampant through Native communities, and with it comes a devastating cycle of addiction, poverty, and despair. In recent years, this powerful synthetic opioid has become a mainstay in the Native American community, with devastating consequences.
The crisis is especially concerning for the Native Americans living on reservations, who rely on the Indian Health Service, a long-standing federal program, for medical care. Unfortunately, the IHS has been slow to respond to this pressing issue, leaving its most vulnerable citizens to fight an uphill battle against a deadly drug.
The story of fentanyl’s rise in Native communities begins with the devastating opioid crisis that began to sweep across the United States in the late 2000s. As the opioid crisis deepened, Native Americans were among its victims. This is partially due to a lack of access to treatment and opioid medications.
The lack of proper resources and care available to Native American communities has led to an increase in fentanyl use. Often times, Native Americans find fentanyl on the streets, or mix it with other substances such as methamphetamines. The dangerous mix of drugs has led to a dramatic rise in overdose deaths in Native communities.
What’s more, the IHS has been ineffective in responding to the crisis. As the fentanyl epidemic spread across the United States, the IHS was slow to respond, failing to provide outreach resources and education to the Native population, or to set up opioid treatment programs and services on the reservations.
The dire situation has motivated some Native Americans to act. Organizations like the American Indian Consortium have stepped in to provide resources and information to Native communities in the wake of the crisis. They also work to raise awareness and educate Native communities about the dangers of drugs, as well as providing overdose prevention and response services.
The fentanyl crisis has had a devastating impact on Native communities in the United States. It has left many Native Americans struggling with addiction and poverty, as well as a sense of despair. The Indian Health Service is ultimately responsible for responding to this crisis, and it must act quickly to provide treatment and resources for those in need. Only then can Native Americans begin to rebuild their communities and heal.
