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Pennsylvania Struggles to Meet Demand for Xylazine Care Kits Amid Rising Ov

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The Pennsylvania Department of Health is grappling with a surge in demand for Xylazine care kits, as the state battles a rising tide of overdoses linked to the powerful animal tranquilizer. The department announced last week that it is distributing 50,000 wound care kits to local health agencies, but this falls short of the growing need.

Xylazine, also known as "tranq," has seen a dramatic increase in usage across Pennsylvania, with the number of deaths associated with it also rising sharply. According to the Department of Health, there were 51 overdose deaths involving Xylazine in 2018, a figure that soared to over 1,100 by 2021. The department has pledged to make more wound care kits available, but has not provided a timeline for when this might happen.

In a recent press release, Governor Josh Shapiro highlighted the state's efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, which now includes tackling the growing threat of Xylazine. The drug, which is not approved for use in humans, is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's street drug supply and has been officially classified as a Schedule III Drug under the Controlled Substances Act.

The state's multidisciplinary approach to the crisis includes harm reduction strategies, reducing stigma associated with substance use and addiction, providing education and training to reduce overdose, and helping people get connected to treatment and other services. However, the rising demand for Xylazine care kits underscores the severity of the problem and the urgent need for more resources.


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