ASTHO Statement on Biden Administration Designating Fentanyl Combined with Xylazine as an Emerging Threat to the United States

April 12, 2023

ARLINGTON, VA—The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) CEO Michael Fraser, PhD, made the following statement today regarding the White House declaring fentanyl combined with xylazine as an emerging drug threat to the United States:

“ASTHO welcomes The Office of National Drug Control Policy’s announcement designating fentanyl adulterated or associated with xylazine as an emerging drug threat to the United States. Xylazine, a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer not approved for human use, has infiltrated the illicit drug supply across the country and threatens to increase overdose and worsen outcomes for people who use drugs. We applaud the Administration’s plans to address toxicology testing for xylazine, support comprehensive data monitoring, raise awareness of effective treatment and supportive care protocols, and reduce the illicit supply of xylazine.

Xylazine presents new public health challenges and changes the landscape of the overdose epidemic. ASTHO and our members are committed to ensuring the health and well-being of the public and stand ready to adapt to this emerging threat. Preventing and mitigating harms related to the combination of fentanyl and xylazine will require us all to work together to establish a comprehensive response encompassing prevention, monitoring, harm reduction, and treatment strategies.”

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ASTHO is the national nonprofit organization representing the public health agencies of the United States, the U.S. territories and freely associated states, and Washington, D.C., as well as the more than 100,000 public health professionals these agencies employ. ASTHO members, the chief health officials of these jurisdictions, are dedicated to formulating and influencing sound public health policy and to ensuring excellence in public health practice.