Covered by Documenters Gennifer Harding-Gosnell and Kathryn Johnson
What happened: Black people accounted for 38% of deaths involving fentanyl in Cuyahoga County in March and 40% for the year. Beth Zietlow-DeJesus, from the county’s Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board, said overdoses were up among Black residents from 36% at the end of 2022 and from 14% just a few years ago. Officials discussed expanding naloxone access to convenience stores and rec centers as part of an update on drug use and youth mental health. The medication can reverse opioid overdoses.
Arts fund update: Director of City Planning Joyce Pan Huang gave a status update on the city’s Transformative Public Arts Fund. Council passed a law last October allowing the director to establish and run the fund, which will distribute up to $3 million of American Rescue Plan Act money to create public art programs. A city committee will review and recommend art proposals. The city is also hiring a senior strategist in arts, culture and creative economy. The salary range is $75,000 to $105,000 per year. People can apply through Wednesday.
Easy Street: Ward 9 Cleveland City Council Member Kevin Conwell said council needs to make it easier for street musicians to perform. Huang agreed, saying the current code severely limits street performers.
Read the live tweet thread from Documenter Gennifer Harding-Gosnell:
Did you know five vending machines across Cleveland distribute naloxone for free?
Recovery from addiction is possible. For help, please call the free and confidential treatment referral hotline (1-800-662-HELP), or visit findtreatment.gov.