A new initiative by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health aims to empower residents to discuss the impact of stimulant use on heart health. The campaign, launched by the Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction (SUPHR), provides resources and conversation points for Philadelphians to engage with healthcare providers about the risks associated with stimulants.
The campaign’s primary goal is to educate the public on how stimulant use can lead to serious heart health issues. It also seeks to connect individuals with accessible primary care services throughout the city. According to Dr. Daniel Teixeira da Silva, director of SUPHR, this project has been in development for several years. It focuses on creating effective communication strategies for clinicians and patients alike.
The campaign’s website offers visitors essential resources, including conversation starters to facilitate discussions with primary care physicians. These tools are intended to help patients articulate their concerns about drug use and heart health more effectively. For those without a primary care provider, the site also lists clinics that welcome walk-in patients, particularly in areas heavily impacted by stimulant-related overdoses.
The Philadelphia health department’s efforts mark the first time it has addressed the specific dangers stimulants pose to heart health. Over the years, stimulants have increasingly contributed to overdose situations leading to fatalities. A recent study revealed alarming trends in overdose statistics. From 2019 to 2023, the city saw a 61% increase in fatal overdoses among the Black population, while overdose deaths among white individuals decreased by 19% in the same period. Of those overdose cases, 80% involved stimulants.
Statistics show that while overdose deaths began to decline in 2023, the decrease was more pronounced among white residents, who experienced a 15% drop in fatalities compared to a 6% decline among Black residents. The neighborhoods most affected by stimulant-related overdoses are primarily located in the North, West, and Southwest regions of Philadelphia. Notably, the average age of Black men succumbing to stimulant overdoses in 2023 was 52 years old, which is higher than the average age for opioid overdose deaths.
Understanding stimulants is key to addressing their impact on health. The health department categorizes stimulants, or “uppers,” as substances that accelerate the body’s central nervous system functions. They range from common items like coffee to prescribed medications such as Adderall, and illegal drugs like cocaine and crystal methamphetamine. Prolonged use of these substances can elevate heart rates and blood pressure, leading to serious health complications, including heart disease and failure.
The Philadelphia campaign emphasizes the importance of awareness and proactive health discussions. By equipping residents with the necessary information, the department aims to foster better communication between patients and healthcare providers. Additional resources related to stimulant use and heart health are available on the campaign’s website, ensuring that Philadelphians have the tools needed for informed conversations about their health.
