Exploring Xylazine Misuse and Prevention
This virtual webinar on Xylazine misuse and prevention took place in March 2025. The
presenters brought a range of public health research experience, including injury
prevention, overdose prevention, harm reduction, and statewide monitoring, to offer a
well-rounded overview of national trends, emerging risks, and community-level strategies
to address emerging trends in Xylazine use.
Objectives:
1. Overview of Xylazine misuse and risk and prevalence in the United States.
2. Summary of state and federal actions regarding Xylazine misuse monitoring.
3. Discussion of strategies to address Xylazine misuse within communities.
Presenters: Aleah Cumberbatch, MPA is a research associate at Nationwide Children’s
Center for Injury Research and Policy. She joined Dr. Michaels’ team at NCH in 2021
after completing her undergraduate and graduate studies. Maddie Lewis, BS, is a
research associate at NCH currently working on a statewide survey focused on overdose
prevention and joined the team in 2023. Jacob Holycross, MPH, is a research associate
in Dr. Michaels’ LAB at CIRP, currently working on a study to implement a harm
reduction strategy for opioid overdose. Natalie Vargas, BS, is working in Dr. Michaels’
Lab at the Center for Injury Research and Policy for almost two years focusing on the
Fentanyl Test Strip Study.