As a medical student, I’ve been trained to approach health crises with clinical detachment and a focus on solutions. This approach requires balancing empathy for our patients with the objectivity needed to swiftly and accurately address their ailments. However, the opioid epidemic, a topic often discussed in lectures and textbooks, shattered this detachment for me personally when it claimed a beloved family member. This loss, veiled in silence, highlighted the pervasive nature of addiction - a struggle that unfolds in the quiet corners of our lives, frequently unnoticed until it’s tragically too late.

In the Latino community, particularly in the Caribbean, where West African traditions and folklore profoundly influence cultural views, mental health and substance abuse disorders are significantly stigmatized. These cultural beliefs often attribute mental health issues to supernatural causes or moral failings, rather than recognizing them as medical conditions requiring treatment. This stigma can deter individuals and their families from seeking help, further complicating the challenges of addressing and treating mental health and substance abuse within these communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic further eclipsed the opioid crisis, leading to a kind of selective amnesia among the general public. Admittedly, even as a medical student, substance abuse barely crossed my mind until my family was directly affected. Working with the Dominican Community Center in Danbury, CT, I met families who had suffered as mine had, learning about the widespread yet often personal impact of addiction. They introduced me to a network of locals who had founded organizations to bridge the gap left by governmental inaction. One such group, The Greater Hartford Harm Reduction Coalition, has supported substance abuse victims by exchanging over 1 million dirty needles in a year, all without government funding. Ironically, Connecticut hosts numerous leading pharmaceutical companies, including Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin.

These veterans of the fight against addiction taught me that August 31st marks National Overdose Awareness Day. In my first year with them, I was invited to help organize a vigil to raise awareness. Alongside fellow students—Rachel Thompson (MS3 UVM), Torrance Teng (MS3 UVM), and Lana Killeen (MAMS Candidate, Boston University) - we prepared materials such as Narcan and crafted culturally sensitive content on mental health and substance abuse awareness for Danbury’s diverse community. The Greater Hartford Harm Reduction Coalition supplied the Narcan, and we taught the public how to administer it. For the first time since my family became another casualty of this epidemic, I publicly shared our story, inspired by other families who faced their pain openly. Torrance Teng, spoke about how direct interactions with the local community has led to not just learning, but experiencing the needs and issues within the community he has committed to serve, and how this experience will help him become a better physician.

Reflecting on the vigil, I feel a mix of sorrow and purpose. The event in Danbury’s Kennedy Park was a tribute and a call to action, made more poignant by the support of the local police. Sharing stories of loss and survival, we illustrated the diverse impact of this epidemic. My admission - that I never imagined such a tragedy could affect my family—struck a chord with many. Distributing Narcan and resource information was empowering, offering a glimmer of hope amid our collective grief. The recent rise in overdose deaths in Connecticut underscored the urgency of our mission.

This vigil was more than an observance. It was a bridge between my academic endeavors and personal journey. It underscored the importance of viewing each case as not just a study but as a person with a story and community. This experience has deepened my commitment to understanding patients’ struggles, advocating for change, and pursuing solutions beyond the clinical setting.

Figure 1: From left to right: Javier Rincon(MS3 UVM), Rachel Thompson(MS3 UVM), Lana Killeen(MAMS BU), Torrance Teng(MS3 UVM).

Organizing this event taught me that healing starts with acknowledgment and support, fostering spaces for shared grief and resilience. The solidarity shown by the Dominican Community Center, the police, and the community at large is a testament to our collective strength in facing this crisis. As I reflect on that day, I’m reminded of the power of community and the critical importance of keeping the human element central in our fight against addiction. This vigil marked the start of my proactive engagement in fostering robust support systems and dedicating myself to combating the opioid crisis in Connecticut and beyond.

Figure 2: Citizens of Danbury observe Overdose Awareness Day.