The Pennsylvania Department of Health has announced the distribution of 50,000 xylazine wound care kits after increases in deaths from the sedative drug.
The kits provide care to those who suffer from wounds associated with taking the drug xylazine. Data from the DOH says Pennsylvania has seen a 50 percent increase in the number of xylazine-related overdose deaths between 2022 and 2023.
Over 200 medical and harm reduction organizations in Pennsylvania have been given kits to have the available for those in need. Included in the kits are both supplies for cleaning wounds and medically treating wounds.
This past May Governor Josh Shapiro signed into the bipartisan law Act 17. The law moved xylazine to a scheduled drug under the controlled substance act, limiting access to the drug only for veterinarians use on large animals.