Overdose deaths among Black and Hispanic residents have risen sharply in Mecklenburg County over the past six years, and Black residents especially account for a disproportionate share of deaths. At the same time, overdose deaths among white residents have fluctuated. This week, WFAE is exploring the crisis.
A bonfire burned outside the Queen City Harm Reduction resource center in east Charlotte on a recent morning. Sitting next to the flames was Tim. Tim can remember what he used to feel like before turning to drugs.
‘Happy. I done a lot of activities like playing chess, listening to music,” Tim said. “Stuff that relaxed me, or go to a movie with a friend, or something. Just positive activities.”…