Mass. xylazine working group pushes training, wound-care access and coordinated outreach ahead of Dec. 11 presentation

The Special Commission on Xylazine’s working group on outreach and treatment met to map gaps in education, wound care and service access for people exposed to xylazine and assigned follow-up research ahead of a Dec. 11 presentation to the full commission.

"Substance use disorder in general is one of my priorities," said Representative Kate Donahue (19th Worcester District), who urged the commission to increase education about xylazine and ensure treatment facilities have training to manage wounds and refer patients when higher-level care is needed. Donahue also said stigma is a major barrier, noting her personal loss in a reminder that family supports matter in outreach design.

Angela Davis, assistant under secretary for law enforcement and criminal justice in the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, described statewide virtual and in-person trainings for first responders and said recruit and in‑service curricula at the Municipal Police Training Committee include xylazine.…