Xylazine Trends and Public Health Implications for Rural Communities
Our speaker is Michael Chaple, PhD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and Director of the Northeast and Caribbean Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Center. This presentation provides an overview of xylazine, current data on prevalence and other trends associated with its use, and also discusses the public health implications associated with xylazine use. This presentation offers harm reduction strategies for mitigating the public health impact of xylazine. Throughout the presentation, unique implications for rural communities are systematically addressed.
Learning objectives:
1. Describe xylazine and its inclusion as an adulterant in the drug supply
2. Discuss the public health impact of xylazine use (i.e., development of wounds, impact on overdose and overdose response, clinical implications for treatment)
3. Outline other harm reduction techniques that can address xylazine use
4. Discuss how xylazine impacts members of rural communities
Speaker
Michael Chaple, PhD
Michael Chaple, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the New York State Psychiatric Institute’s (NYSPI) Division on Substance Use Disorders at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Chaple’s diverse body of work reflects the growing need to “bridge the gap” between research and practice by developing research studies relevant to emerging issues in the field and by translating findings into practical guidelines for immediate clinical application. Through his work, Dr. Chaple has gained considerable expertise in applied research consisting of efficacy and effectiveness trials, including implementation science, as well as large-scale training and technical assistance initiatives designed to disseminate evidence-based and promising practices. His work has been focused on behavioral health issues and co-morbid conditions, including substance use, mental illness, HIV/AIDS, with a focus on criminal justice populations. Dr. Chaple received his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University.