Fatal overdoses in the United States fell for the first time in five years in 2023, according to preliminary estimates recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but UCLA researcher Joseph Friedman cautions that the new findings should not be be interpreted to mean that the country's overdoses The drug and mental health crises are declining.
Friedman has analyzed the “deaths of despair” that result from overdoses, suicide, and liver disease due to alcoholism and has found that while death rates among white Americans have decreased, rates have increased in recent years among people of color in the United States, especially among Native Americans and Americans. Black Americans. Illegal opioids like fentanyl have devastated Black and low-income communities in Los Angeles.
While it's difficult to pinpoint the exact reasons behind substance abuse or suicide, Friedman and other mental health and addiction medicine experts say racial inequality, economic hardship and historical trauma have compounded those problems in marginalized communities.
If you or someone you know needs immediate help for a mental health, substance use or suicide crisis, call or text 988, or chat online by visiting the Crisis and Suicide Hotline website. For mental health resources and referrals, call the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health's 24/7 helpline at (800) 854-7771.
Here are other organizations that offer information, advice and support services:
Nakeya Fields, a licensed clinical social worker in Pasadena, founded the Black Mental Health Task Force, a coalition that brings together mental health professionals, clients, nonprofits, community organizations, educators and others in California to raise awareness about the Mental Wellness. Her Therapeutic Play Foundation offers activities designed to improve resilience and coping skills through creative arts, play and sports. She provides individual, couples, group, and family therapy for Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+ people, and other members of marginalized populations.
The American Indian Counseling Center, a division of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, offers crisis intervention, intensive 24/7 mental health services, and counseling for all ages, as well as such as medical consultations for medications and referrals to culturally relevant support groups. Call (562) 402-0677 and ask to speak to the worker on duty.
The United American Indian Involvement Behavioral Health Program provides outpatient substance use disorder treatment and mental health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives living throughout Los Angeles County. Visit the website or call (213) 202-3970.
Melanin and Mental Health offers an online network of Black and Brown mental health care providers searchable by geographic area, type of problem, and treatment sought. It is also possible to filter the results by race and specialty of the therapists, as well as by insurance company.
Black Mental Health Alliance offers confidential referrals to culturally competent mental health professionals found in its database of licensed therapists.
Painted Brain advocates for mental wellness in underserved communities in Los Angeles by offering self-care, relaxation and therapeutic art and play sessions, support groups, and trainings for mental health professionals. As part of its peer-led model, many staff have experienced mental health issues. Its community center and art space is located at 5980 W. Pico Blvd. in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center offers individual, couples, family, group therapy, and psychiatric care, as well as support for people struggling with substance use. The center has locations in West Hollywood, at Mi Centro in East Los Angeles, at its Trans Wellness Center near MacArthur Park, and in the Leimert Park neighborhood of South Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Community Health Project serves people who use drugs through a harm reduction approach that emphasizes providing clean needles and education on how to respond to an overdose.
