iHeartMedia Milwaukee’s afternoon drive host Reggie Brown of V100.7 (WKKV), is joining the “DJs Against Overdose” campaign to combat the alarming increase in overdose deaths within the Black community. The initiative, which will run for several months, promotes the use of naloxone, a life-saving medication that quickly reverses opioid overdoses.
Brown will use his platform to encourage listeners to obtain naloxone free of charge through various sources, including the City of Milwaukee Office of African American Affairs, fire stations, and local grassroots organizations. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, has been instrumental in reducing fatal overdose incidents.
The campaign comes at a critical time, as fatal overdoses among Black individuals in Milwaukee County rose by 52% between 2020 and 2021, the highest rate among any racial group. Furthermore, in Wisconsin, the overdose mortality rate for Black people in 2021 was more than double the national rate, with a ninefold increase from 2001 to 2021.
Brown said, “Finally, the word is getting out about this lifesaver, Naloxone. I’ve seen firsthand what these opioids can do to people. Especially in my community, the Black community. Thankfully, Naloxone is now available to the public at Milwaukee Fire Stations and other locations for free, no questions asked, to save the life of someone in need. I am grateful to be working with Vital Strategies to spread the word about Naloxone to help save lives. Get, Give, Save.”
Darryl Davidson, Director of the City of Milwaukee Office of African American Affairs, commented, “Our community is being devastated by overdose. In 2021, the overdose mortality rate in Wisconsin for Black people was more than double the national rate and overdose for Black Wisconsinites increased ninefold from 2001 to 2021. Working with local and trusted radio hosts can help bring overdose awareness and prevention to Black communities and ultimately save lives.”
