Tapping into The Wire – The Real Urban Crisis

Did Omar Little die of lead poisoning? Would a decriminalization strategy like the one in Hamsterdam end the War on Drugs? What will it take to save neglected kids like Wallace and Dukie? Tapping into "The Wire" uses the acclaimed television series as a road map for exploring connections between inner-city poverty and drug-related violence. Former Baltimore City health commissioner Peter Beilenson teams up with former Baltimore Sun reporter Patrick A. McGuire to deliver a compelling, highly readable examination of urban policy and public health issues affecting cities across the nation. Each chapter recounts scenes from episodes of the HBO series, placing the characters' challenges into the broader context of public policy.

"An 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."--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."--Library Journal

"Living in Baltimore for most of the five years that I filmed The Wire, I was astounded to see how closely life mirrors art for too many residents of this--and most other--major cities in America. I hope the readers of this intriguing book really 'feel' the problems that are highlighted and emerge committed to change."--Michael Kenneth Williams, actor, The Wire