A Community Approach to Xylazine and Other Novel Psychoactive Substances: An ORN Regional Summit was held on March 1, 2024, in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

Opioid Response Network (ORN) hosted a pivotal community event aimed at tackling the rising issue of xylazine and other novel psychoactive substances. The ORN collaborated with several esteemed partners including the West Virginia Behavioral Health Workforce and Health Equity Training Center at Marshall University as well as the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau for Behavioral Health.

Martinsburg Mayor Kevin Knowles highlighted the community's commitment to addressing substance use disorder. The agenda included distinguished subject matter experts from a variety of agencies including the Office of Drug Policy and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The speakers were engaging and comprehensive, discussing overdose prevention, the use of xylazine test strips, sharing best practices for wound care, caring for the unhoused, and providing clinicians with practical guidance on treating emergent drug trends. The event was highlighted in DC News Now.

This collaborative effort underscored the community's proactive approach to addressing the complex issues surrounding substance misuse and highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in combating this public health crisis.

On behalf of the Central East Addiction Technology Transfer Center through the ORN, we would like to thank the speakers, partners, and participants for their contribution in addressing the needs of the community and their families.