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Tags Posts tagged with "Department of Health"

Department of Health

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Medetomidine is a veterinary sedative, similar to xylazine, that was first found in Philadelphia’s drug supply in May 2024. Since then, it has spread across Pennsylvania. Medetomidine is 100-200 times more potent than xylazine and can cause longer-lasting sedation, low heart rates, and more severe withdrawal symptoms. It is not an opioid but is found in the illicit drug supply.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) is seeking information about complications associated with medetomidine in the drug supply. DOH is particularly interested in SUD treatment providers’ responses to the following.

  • Are you seeing an influx in clients presenting with worsening withdrawal symptoms (e.g., racing heart, severe nausea, high blood pressure, tremors, confusion)?
  • Are you seeing an increase in clients leaving against medical advice?
  • Have you had to send clients to the hospital because their symptoms required a higher level of care?
  • Are there any other changes you are noticing in your community that you think DOH should know about?

You can email your responses to DOH Senior Harm Reduction Technical Advisor Roseanne Scotti or RCPA SUD Treatment Policy Director Jason Snyder.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has released an updated Respiratory Virus Outbreak Toolkit for Long-Term Care Facilities, including Personal Care Homes and Assisted Living Residences.

The updated toolkit was developed to provide recommendations for facilities before and during a respiratory virus outbreak. This toolkit covers many respiratory viruses, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, adenovirus, and more. While this toolkit does include information about COVID-19, a more detailed toolkit for LTCFs specific to COVID-19 can be found here. This toolkit replaces the previous Influenza Outbreak Toolkit for Long-Term Care Facilities.

DOH is in the process of updating the poster required by the Influenza Awareness Act. In the meantime, providers are encouraged to continue to use the 2023-2024 Poster.

Questions about this communication should be sent electronically.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) is seeking feedback from organizations operating mobile clinics. They encourage participation in a brief survey, which will take on average 5–7 minutes to complete, to gather insights into how these clinics currently contribute to accessible healthcare statewide. The survey aims to assess the scope of mobile services provided, identify opportunities for collaboration among providers, and explore ways to enhance and expand mobile clinic services. Responses will help shape policies, programs, and partnerships aimed at improving community health care access across Pennsylvania. Access the Mobile Clinic Program Survey here.

The PA Department of Health and Penn State University have created a survey to better understand PPE knowledge amongst healthcare workers in Pennsylvania, including dental providers and office teams. In addition to PPE knowledge, they would like to better understand healthcare worker feelings about vaccinations and mental health. All responses are anonymous.

This survey should take you no more than 10–20 minutes, and people who complete the entire survey will be able to register for two chances to win a $250 gift card. Participants can access the survey here.

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please reference the contact information within the flyer.