Symposium: Addressing the Emerging Drug Threat of Fentanyl Adulterated or Associated with Xylazine via Harm Reduction and Clinical Innovation-Addressing the Emerging Drug Threat of Fentanyl Adulterated or Associated with Xylazine via Harm Reduction and Clinical Innovation

Addressing the Emerging Drug Threat of Fentanyl Adulterated or Associated with Xylazine via Harm Reduction and Clinical Innovation

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Video Summary

The final symposium of the meeting focused on addressing emerging drug threats, specifically fentanyl adulterated with xylazine, and the role of harm reduction and clinical innovation in tackling these issues. Key announcements were made congratulating Dr. Soyun Jo and Dr. Narmarta Walia for winning the Tom Pender's Pursuit Foundation Award and inviting attendees to a community event in Florida.<br /><br />Dr. Adam Gordon chaired the symposium, highlighting challenges such as xylazine's increasing presence in the drug supply, and the correlation with overdose fatalities. The session involved presentations from experts including Grant Baldwin from the CDC, who provided data on the decrease in overdose deaths in the U.S. and discussed public health strategies to curb the overdose crisis. Elizabeth Oliva detailed the VA's naloxone distribution efforts and harm reduction strategies through initiatives like syringe services programs.<br /><br />The symposium underscored the VA's shift towards integrating addiction care within non-specialty care settings, promoting a harm reduction approach across a range of clinical environments. Speakers emphasized the importance of understanding drug trends, applying effective overdose prevention methods, and supporting patients by addressing co-morbidities, including with novel substances like xylazine.<br /><br />Participants asked questions about terminologies like "harm reduction" in the context of evolving political landscapes and sought clarification on naloxone administration during suspected poly-drug overdoses. The presenters encouraged collaboration among states and shared insights on successful state-level strategies for reducing overdose deaths. In conclusion, the symposium highlighted the critical need for continued innovation and collaboration in opioid crisis management.

Keywords

Veterans Affairs

opioid crisis

fentanyl

xylosine

overdose rates

harm reduction

naloxone distribution

substance use disorders

Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution

syringe service programs

holistic care

addiction treatment

xylazine

clinical innovation

overdose crisis

Tom Pender's Pursuit Foundation Award

Dr. Soyun Jo

Dr. Narmarta Walia

Dr. Adam Gordon

Grant Baldwin

CDC

overdose prevention

naloxone

syringe services programs

opioid crisis management

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