Last week a local supply of fentanyl tested positive for the presence of xylazine (also known as “tranq”). This is the first positive test for xylazine in Western Nevada County. The Truckee area reported two positive tests for xylazine in late June, but none since.
Xylazine is a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer that lowers blood pressure and heart rate and has a sedating effect. While xylazine is not an opioid, it is often mixed with opioids like fentanyl and heroin. As a result, in the event of an overdose where xylazine is suspected, Narcan is still key to overdose response.
Know Overdose Nevada County has created a Xylazine page on the website with additional information, including bilingual xylazine fact sheets, links to additional resources and a training video from NASTAD. While xylazine is not widespread in Nevada County’s drug supply currently, its presence is likely to increase over time, as it has in most areas of the country.
A limited supply of free xylazine test strips are available through Know Overdose partners. You can also text or call the following organizations for free harm reduction supplies in Nevada County:
- Nevada County Public Health @ 530-388-6364 (Narcan, fentanyl test strips)
- Yuba Harm Reduction Collective @ 530-362-8163 (Narcan, fentanyl test strips, MAT)
- The Speedy Foundation (Truckee) @ 208-471-8904 (Narcan, fentanyl test strips)
- Nevada County Behavioral Health @ call only 530 265-1437 or walk-in (Narcan, test strips, treatment, MAT)
- Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Emergency Department (24/7 access to Narcan and MAT)
- Tahoe Forest Hospital Emergency Department (24/7 access to Narcan, fentanyl and xylazine test strips and connections to MAT)
You can learn more about xylazine, fentanyl, Narcan, harm reduction and free local resources and training at www.KnowOverdoseNC.com.
