Lower Bucks Today

HARRISBURG- Legislation sponsored by Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks) to require the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to engage in a public awareness campaign to educate the public about the dangers of human use of xylazine has been included in a Senate bill that passed the General Assembly and is going to the governor. House Bill 1690 was inserted into Senate Bill 683.

Law enforcement officers and public health professionals have detected an increase in the prevalence of the illicit use of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, in street drugs used in the Commonwealth. In fact, about half of all Pennsylvania counties saw cases where illicit use of xylazine caused a death in 2021. Worse, 90% of the opioids sampled by the City of Philadelphia showed xylazine in 2021. Rep. Marcell emphasizes, "Yet too few people are aware of this drug’s existence. Increased public awareness of the impact of the illicit use of xylazine can help the effort to protect our residents."

The legislation sponsored by Rep. Marcell would require DDAP to partner with health care providers, community-based health centers, and hospitals to educate Pennsylvanians on the dangers of human use of xylazine. It would also mandate the creation of informational materials for distribution to Pennsylvanians, providing information on the effects of xylazine on the human body, guidance on discussing the dangers with family and friends, and any other pertinent information deemed necessary by DDAP to educate the public on this topic.

Xylazine, originally designed as a horse tranquilizer, is now being used as a cutting agent for heroin and fentanyl consumed by humans. Users of this drug tend to experience non-healing wounds.

This legislation is a crucial step in addressing the growing concern of xylazine use in Pennsylvania. By raising awareness and providing information about the dangers of this drug, it is hoped that the public will be better equipped to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. The collaboration between DDAP, health care providers, and community-based organizations will play a vital role in reaching a wider audience and ensuring the dissemination of accurate and essential information.

The bill now awaits the governor's approval. Once signed into law, it will pave the way for a comprehensive public awareness campaign that aims to protect the residents of Pennsylvania from the dangers of xylazine use.

For media inquiries, please contact David Foster at 267-207-0207 or dfoster@pahousegop.com. More information can also be found on Rep. Marcell's website at RepMarcell.com or on Facebook at Facebook.com/RepMarcell.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.repmarcell.com/News/33293/Latest-News/Marcell-Drug-Education-Bill-Goes-to-the-Governor