Description & Objectives:

The United States is facing a drug crisis that continues to escalate. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), approximately 20.4 million Americans are living with a substance use disorder (SUD), and an estimated 3.7 million are persons who inject drugs (PWID). The increasing availability of fentanyl and xylazine has further intensified the problem, contributing to more severe complications and higher risks for those affected.

Substance use disorder affects individuals across every community. Your neighbors, family members, or patients may be struggling with this condition. It is critical to recognize the scope of this crisis and bring greater attention to the serious, life-threatening harm it is causing to Americans every day.

Upon completion of this lesson, participants will be able to:

Review 3 key assessment findings to identify persons who inject drugs (PWID)
Discuss 2 skin and wound issues common with people who inject drugs (PWID)

State 2 CHALLENGES associated with Xylazine for PWID and healthcare professionals.
List the 4 steps included in a Systematic Approach for Street Wound Care.

Name 3 characteristics of a Xylazine-related wounds.

Speaker(s): Nancy Morgan, RN, BSN, MBA, WOC, CWHS

Target Audience: Nurses, physical therapists, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals interested in wound care.

CE Credit(s): 3.0

CE Statement: Provider, Nancy Morgan Wound Care, approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider #17756 for 3.0 Contact Hour(s). This certificate must be retained by the licensee for a period of four years after the course is completed, as required by the California Board of Registered Nursing.