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Congresswoman Kelly Completes Naloxone Training, Seeks to Raise Awareness of Training for Lifesaving Opioid-Reversal Drug

CHICAGO DEFENDER — In the 115th Congress, Congresswoman Kelly was a co-sponsor of the Opioid Minority Health Report to Congress Act, which required an annual opioid epidemic impact report from the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities. The data from such a report would assist Congress in further targeting programs and resources to the most struggling communities. The legislation was originally offered by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09).

Published

5 years ago

August 23, 2019

Oakland Post

April Williams-Luster, Elise Miller and Kyle Bergfors examine a Narcan kit after a training session on how to administer the opioid overdose reversal spray at the Matteson office of Congresswoman Robin Kelly. The training session was conducted by Lindsay Wilson, health promotions coordinator with the Kankakee County Health Department.

By The Chicago Defender

Matteson, IL – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, and her staff completed training to administer naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug.

“Too many of our neighbors have already been lost to addiction; it’s clear that naloxone saves lives when it’s available in our communities and people are properly trained,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. “This training — as important as CPR training — took less than an hour so you could learn it on your lunch break. I would strongly encourage anyone and everyone to consider completing this important and lifesaving training, which is often offered free-of-charge by local public health departments and health advocacy organizations.”

The training was conducted by Lindsay Wilson, Health Promotions Coordinator with the Kankakee County Health Department.

“I hope that by completing this training, I can increase awareness about naloxone, especially in rural and African American communities, where prescribing and dispensing rates are lower,” added Congresswoman Kelly.

According to the CDC, at least 26,500 opioid overdoses were reversed in the U.S. by laypersons using naloxone from 1996-2014. With greater awareness about the opioid epidemic and naloxone, the number of lives saved has certainly grown in recent years. However, there are still challenges to accessing naloxone in many communities. The CDC found that rural counties were three times more likely to be considered a ‘low-dispensing’ county when compared to urban counties.

“While the opioid epidemic has impacted all communities, much of the media attention and Congressional action has been forced on the epidemic’s impact in white, rural communities. This attention has been key to driving calls for reform, change and resources. However, we cannot ignore the many other communities being impacted by this epidemic. Opioid abuse has been a challenge in African American and urban communities for decades. I hope that by personally completing this lifesaving training, as the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust Chair, that I can bring greater attention to this crisis and its underreported impact in African American communities.”

In the 115th Congress, Congresswoman Kelly was a co-sponsor of the Opioid Minority Health Report to Congress Act, which required an annual opioid epidemic impact report from the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities. The data from such a report would assist Congress in further targeting programs and resources to the most struggling communities. The legislation was originally offered by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09).

In addition to her role as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, Congresswoman Robin Kelly is also a member of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee and the Committee on Oversight and Reform (COR), which has been examining the causes and responses to the opioid epidemic. She is an original co-sponsor of the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act (H.R. 2596), authored by COR Chairman Cummings, and the Respond NOW Act (H.R. 2922), authored by Congresswoman Anne Kuster (NH-01).

This article originally appeared in the Chicago Defender.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org