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Pa. distributes 50,000 kits for xylazine-related wounds

(WKBN) — The state of Pennsylvania will distribute 50,000 wound care kits for free to help residents combat xylazine-related wounds.

Xylazine can cause serious health problems, including severe skin lesions and sores that can be difficult to treat and can spread quickly. Xylazine-related wounds can go deep to the bone and may lead to the need for skin grafts or even amputation of hands, feet, or limbs.

“The emergence of Xylazine in Pennsylvania’s illicit drug supply is a major public health concern,” said Department of Health Secretary Debra Bogen. “Because the wounds caused by Xylazine are more complex and severe than those traditionally seen in people who have used other drugs, there is a need for rapid action, new medical protocols, and access to appropriate self-care wound supplies.”

The kits were distributed to more than 200 health and harm reduction organizations across the state.

The department’s wound care kits consist of the products needed to properly clean, moisturize and cover wounds to support wound healing:

  • To prepare for cleaning: Hand disinfectant wipes, pairs of gloves, and a mat to create a clean wound cleaning area.

  • For cleaning wounds: Sterile water and woven gauze sponges.

  • To moisturize wounds: Vitamin A&D ointment, bacitracin ointment, and non-adherent dressing pads.

  • To cover wounds: Abdominal pads, gauze rolls, bandages in various sizes, and medical tape.

According to data collected by the Department of Health, Pa. saw a 50% increase in xylazine-related overdose deaths between 2022 and 2023. According to preliminary data, xylazine contributed to drug overdose deaths in at least 51 counties across the Commonwealth in 2023. This contrasts with 2017, when xylazine did not contribute to any overdose deaths in Pa.

You can find more detailed information about xylazine on the Ministry of Health’s website.

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