Description
Book SynopsisWith a firm grasp on the hard truths of real-world problems, Tapping into 'The Wire' helps undo misconceptions and encourage a dialogue of understanding.
Trade ReviewAn engaging, fast-paced read that translates the fiction of a cable one-hour drama to the reality of an American City. Using the themes of the social determinants of health, governance, and intersectoral action, the book seeks to reframe the discourse about drug policy and the health of US cities. It is an important read for students and for those seeking to communicate the importance of social determinants of health and understand the politics of drugs and health in cities. -- Danielle C. Ompad Journal of Urban Health A convincing argument that nonviolent drug users are part of a significant public health problem that demands an effective response from cities... Readers cannot help but feel sympathy for those who struggle with addiction and the plight of government officials who strive to create alternatives to this dilemma. Highly recommended for readers interested in substance abuse or criminal justice issues and prepared for intellectual engagement. Library Journal Beilenson leads us through the rationale and implementation of public health initiatives that might have an effect on the show's characters, or on the city's embattled residents those characters are meant to portray. -- Andrew Cleary Rain Taxi Review of Books
Table of ContentsForeword: A Conversation with David Simon, Creator of The Wire, by Patrick A. McGuire
1. The New Public Health Crisis: Wallace's World
2. Heroin Central: The Street Life of Bubbles, Marlo, and Johnny
3. Losing the War on Drugs: The Pit versus the Police
4. Medicalize or Legalize: Hamsterdam
5. Needle Exchange and the AIDS Dilemma: Sticking It to "the Bug"
6. Treatment on Demand as a Strategy: Walon's Success Story
7. School Performance and the MIA Parent: The Tragedy of Dukie's Education
8. Teenage Pregnancy and STDs: Shardene's Escape
9. Firepower: Snoop's Beretta, Avon's Heckler, and Omar's Mossberg
10. Place Matters: Why Didn't Bodie Just Leave?
11. Of Paint and Guns: Did Omar Die of Lead Poisoning?
12. Obese Yet Malnourished: The Weighty Contradiction of Prop Joe
13. Public Health and Politics: The Promise and Peril of Tommy Carcetti
Epilogue: Learning from The Wire: Practicing Politics to Practice Medicine
Cast of Characters
Notes
Index
