Philadelphia Launches Campaign to Address Stimulant and Heart Health

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has initiated a new campaign aimed at addressing the effects of stimulant use on heart health. The program, led by the Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction (SUPHR), empowers residents to engage in meaningful conversations with healthcare providers regarding the impact of stimulant consumption on cardiovascular well-being.

The campaign intends to disseminate educational materials and provide essential conversation starters to facilitate discussions between patients and their doctors. Dr. Daniel Teixeira da Silva, director of SUPHR, explained that this initiative has been in development for several years. It aims to encourage patients to “think about how you really start talking about heart health and drug use with your doctor.”

Through its dedicated website, the campaign offers resources to help individuals discuss their heart health with healthcare professionals. For those without a primary care provider, the site lists clinics with walk-in hours, prioritizing locations in ZIP codes heavily affected by stimulant overdoses. This effort marks the first time the department has focused specifically on educating the public about the risks stimulants pose to heart health, highlighting how these substances can lead to potentially fatal overdose situations.

Understanding the Impact of Stimulants

Data from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health indicates a stark disparity in overdose statistics. Between 2019 and 2023, overdose deaths among white individuals decreased by 19%, while fatalities among the Black population surged by 61%. Notably, approximately 80% of these deaths involved stimulant use.

In 2023, while overall overdose deaths began to decline, the decrease among Black residents was only 6%, compared to a 15% drop among white residents. The neighborhoods most affected by stimulant-related overdoses are primarily located in the North, West, and Southwest regions of Philadelphia. The average age of Black men who died from stimulant overdoses in 2023 was 52 years, notably older than the average for opioid-related deaths.

Understanding what stimulants are is vital for those engaging with this campaign. Stimulants, commonly referred to as “uppers,” include a range of substances from caffeine to prescription medications like Adderall, as well as illegal drugs such as cocaine and crystal methamphetamine. Regular consumption can lead to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and ultimately, addiction, all of which contribute to heart disease and failure.

For more information and additional resources, residents can visit the campaign’s website. This initiative represents a significant step in addressing the intersection of substance use and heart health within the Philadelphia community, ultimately aiming to reduce the risks and improve overall health outcomes for its residents.