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SUDEC members raise alarms about counterfeit pills, xylazine and Narcan limits; urge education and testing
Summary
Members reported a webinar warning that counterfeit pressed pills are driving overdoses and discussed fentanyl mixed with xylazine/metomidine; presenters said Narcan may not reverse xylazine and urged school and community education, testing strips and a possible local speaker appearance.
Chair Lynn Carlson relayed a webinar she attended that highlighted counterfeit pressed pills as a major current driver of overdoses and urged stronger education and Narcan distribution locally.
"We're on our fifth iteration because right now what they're finding is counterfeit pill that seems to be where there are overdoses," Lynn said, describing the prevalence of pressed pills sold as Adderall or Xanax but containing fentanyl or other analogs.
Katie, the MORE regional coordinator, and other members raised additional concerns about non‑opioid adulterants. Katie described xylazine and metomidine—animal tranquilizers—appearing in the illicit supply and explained that "Narcan is unfortunately not reversible to it," adding that xylazine can cause severe wounds and requires other medical responses beyond opioid reversal.
Members discussed testing strips, the limits of on‑site tests (false negatives can occur if testing is done incorrectly), and the difficulty of placing dedicated school programming without close coordination with school administrators. A member recommended inviting Dr. Richard Friedman (speaker at the webinar) to provide local education; Lynn said the group should explore bringing him in.
The meeting closed with agreement to prioritize public education, to consider outreach to the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses about Narcan availability, and to pursue follow‑up trainings (including a HOPE framework workshop already scheduled for May 28).
