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Understanding Xylazine: Harm Reduction, Withdrawal, and Overdose Reversal

February 12 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Presented by: Presented by: Sarah Laurel, Prevention Educator
Date:  Wednesday, February 12, 2025 from 12:00 pm- 1:00 PM (EST)
Location: Virtual/Zoom
1 CE for NBCC, PA LSW/LCSW, LPC, LMFT, and Psychologists.
Cost: FREE

The purpose of this presentation is to provide a comprehensive understanding of harm reduction strategies, public health issues, current drug trends, and wound care related to xylazine use. Given the addition of xylazine to the changing illicit drug supply, this Webinar will also provide information on fentanyl test strips, updated withdrawal protocols, and updated overdose reversal techniques. This Webinar is being presented by Sarah Laurel, Executive Director of Savage Sisters, an organization that stresses the importance of knowing how to interact with people currently using drugs or experiencing homelessness and providing basic public health needs to combat the public crisis we are experiencing. This session aims to equip participants with practical knowledge and resources to address the challenges posed by xylazine use in a thorough and compassionate manner.

About Sarah Laurel:

After recovering from substance use disorder, Sarah sought to offer resources to women like herself. What began organically, grew into a program providing housing, street-based outreach and nationwide training. Sarah uses her lived experiences to serve others and stay relatable to those still struggling. She leverages her corporate background to lead the Savage team thoughtfully, productively, and sustainably. Sarah is the recipient of several awards, including a Congressional Medal of Honor. She was featured on two Emmy award-winning episodes of Vice News and CBS News with Jessica Kartalija. Additionally, she created the first Xylazine training, delivering it both locally and nationally. Her advocacy for people who use substances, harm
reduction, public health, and social justice has been consistent and groundbreaking.

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe the overdose epidemic, the history and the current state of affairs locally
  2. Review harm reduction policy and how it is practiced in the field in different areas
  3. Identify an overdose and learn how to respond effectively given the current toxic drug supply

Details

Date:
February 12
Time:
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Venue

On Zoom