The Health Care for the Homeless Clinicians’ Network is pleased to host monthly Community Conversations for HCH providers (defined broadly). Forming around pressing issues affecting providers who serve people experiencing homelessness, Community Conversations are not webinars: they are discussions informed by real-life cases meant to improve wellbeing and knowledge among HCH providers through mutual support and problem-solving. Therefore, attendees are expected to share openly and encourage others, not just listen, and all participants are encouraged to have their cameras on if possible. To facilitate a safer space, the conversations will not be recorded.
In our October 2022 Community Conversation, we will dive into the topic of Xylazine in the drug supply. Xylazine is a veterinary tranquilizer that is increasingly being used as an adulterant in the US drug supply. Xylazine has been present in Puerto Rico and Philadelphia for many years and is now rapidly spreading up the East coast and beyond. Xylazine necessitates a change in our approach to targeted harm reduction, overdose prevention, and withdrawal management. It can also cause significant and hard to treat wounds, calling for early intervention and multidisciplinary responses. We will hear from Philadelphia providers and explore the experiences of other communities, both in dealing with and preparing for an influx of Xylazine in the drug supply. Join us while we share and support each other in this beautifully complicated work.
Hosts:
Lily Catalano, MSSW | Clinical Manager | NHCHC
Kate Gleason-Bachman, RN, BSN, MPH | Clinical and QI Nurse Manager | NHCHC