Our Mission

Brothers Against Drug Deaths (BADD) is a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to preventing overdose deaths, reducing stigma around addiction and mental illness, and empowering Black men and other underserved individuals to access recovery resources. We also utilize the performing arts as a therapeutic and educational tool, helping people affected by mental health and substance use disorders find hope, connection, and healing.

Inspired by the life and struggle of Theris Lee “TC” Coats II, we are committed to breaking the cycle of drug-related deaths by expanding access to treatment, support, and policy reform that prioritizes recovery over incarceration.

We believe in dignity, healing, and second chances, and we work to:

• Provide education, resources, and advocacy to prevent drug-related deaths
• Promote mental health awareness and access to culturally competent care
• Support families navigating the complexities of addiction and mental illness
• Challenge systemic failures that deny people the help they need
• Bridge the gap between incarceration and recovery by connecting individuals reentering society with critical reentry services—including housing, employment, addiction treatment, and mental health care
• Partner with community organizations and justice system stakeholders to create pathways of support and opportunity for returning citizens

Our Vision

A society where no one dies waiting for help, and every person battling addiction or mental illness is treated with dignity, compassion, and access to culturally competent care. We recognize the critical balance between respecting an individual’s privacy under HIPAA and ensuring that loved ones and caregivers have the information they need to act swiftly in times of crisis, so that timely, life-saving interventions are never delayed by unnecessary barriers.