Insight Into Illicit Drug Crisis: Nursing Research Featured in Prominent Article and Podcast
Thursday, January 18, 2024
In a significant contribution to the field of public health, the College of Nursing’s Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research Kathleen Neville, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN, and SAMHSA Project Coordinator Julia Bonfim, M.P.A. have co-authored an in-depth
article on the pressing issue of xylazine infiltration in illicit drugs. Their research
and perspectives have been featured on the My American Nurse website and further discussed
in a podcast episode, highlighting the urgency and complexity of this public health
concern.
The article, "Infiltration of Xylazine in Illicit Fentanyl," delves into the critical public health issue of xylazine, an adulterant increasingly found in illicit drugs. Neville and Bonfim provide an insightful analysis of this issue, drawing attention to its implications in the context of the ongoing opioid epidemic. They also present the historical development of xylazine use, identification of potential xylazine use and implications for nursing practice.
Neville and Bonfim also presented their findings in Episode 48 of the "Bell Work Talks Podcast," presented by the Academy of Forensic Nursing. The podcast is known for its evidence-based approach and is conducted by professional practitioners addressing contemporary issues in forensic nursing.
This second three-year grant, "Seton Hall University and Hackensack School of Medicine Interprofessional Medication-Assisted Treatment Training for Opioid Use Disorders Program," from the Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) underpins the project directed by Neville along with project directors Stanley R. Terlecky, Ph.D., Hackensack School of Medicine, and Christopher Hanifin, Ed.D, PA-C, Seton Hall’s School of Health and Medical Sciences Physician Assistant Program, with data management and scheduling performed by Bonfim. Neville is the principal investigator for this grant, which equips nurse practitioners, physician assistant students, and medical students from Seton Hall, Monmouth University and the Hackensack School of Medicine with the necessary skills to administer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorders.
Bonfim, working alongside Neville, oversees the multitude of data collection and survey requirements of this grant and manages all of the clinical scheduling of students in five programs.
"The collaborative efforts of Neville and Ms. Bonfim highlight the crucial role of nursing education and research in addressing public health crises," said Interim Dean of Nursing Kristi Stinson, Ph.D., R.N., A.P.N.-B.C. "Their work, particularly in the context of the opioid epidemic, is vital in educating future healthcare professionals and raising public awareness."
Categories: Health and Medicine, Research