Vincent Guilamo-Ramos authored a commentary on the increases in new HIV infections among Latinos in the U.S. (12% increase from 2010-2022) despite an overall decline during the same period.
Joseph Palamar commented that we do not know if, or how much, the flow of fentanyl has been reduced since the amount coming into the U.S. previously is unknown.
Joseph Palamar quoted on concerns regarding Galaxy Gas' flavored options, which suggests it could be misused. Galaxy Gas is nitrous oxide, "whippets" or laughing gas.
Joseph Palamar was quoted on the misnomer "pink cocaine", which typically contains psychoactive substances like ketamine, MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine and opioids.
Joseph Palamar discussed the use of Reddit, surveying people at skate parks, bus stops and sporting events to obtain real time information on newly emerging illicit drugs.
Donna Shelley discussed the unknown safety profile of nicotine pouches which include gastrointestinal symptoms, like nausea, gum soreness and ulcers, and also some cardiovascular risks like elevated heart rate,
Joseph Palamar was interviewed on the increase in fentanyl seizures by law enforcement which reflect the rising prevalence of fentanyl in the illicit drug supply.
Joseph Palamar discussed "pink cocaine" as the new mystery powder in nightclubs and that each concoction will be different depending on who mixes the batch.
Vincent Guilamo-Ramos discussed the rising HIV rates among Latinos saying the U.S. cannot end the HIV epidemic without an increased focus on the Latino community.
Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, who serves as co-chair of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, commented on the disproportionate number of new HIV infections among young, gay Latinos across the United States.
Brett Wolfson-Stofko discussed the illicit drug supply and unknown potencies of fentanyl, benzodiazepines and tranquilizers as reasons for the increase in overdose deaths.
Joseph Palamar was quoted on the highest prevalence of poppers use: gay men followed by bisexual men; heterosexual men and women have begun experimenting with it as well.
Joseph Palamar was quoted that young people may purchase what they believe to be Xanax or Adderall from online sources, but it could contain fentanyl, which may result in an overdose.
Coverage of a study by Joseph Palamar on the trend in fentanyl seizures in the United States (Palamar, et al. , International Journal of Drug Policy, 2024).
David Frank quoted that lack of access to medication-assisted treatment costs lives despite evidence that shows it dramatically reduces overdose deaths.
Vincent Guilamo-Ramos discussed the Institute for Policy Solutions at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing's mission of teaching and research, and its deep commitment to social welfare, social justice, and public health, as well as the essential role nurses play in shaping solutions, policy, and systems to improve health for every community and every citizen.
Coverage of Mari Armstrong-Hough's study in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society (2024) showing disparities in treatment for respiratory illness among Latino patients.
Coverage of the first state-regulated overdose prevention center in Providence, Rhode Island. Magdalena Cerda and Brandon Marshall will collaborate on evaluating the site.
Magdalena Cerda discussed her study to evaluate Opioid Prevention Centers (OPCs) and its impact on people who use OPCs, their effects on neighborhoods, interviews with OPC staff and clients, and costs of OPCs versus health care savings.
Magdalena Cerda was quoted on opposing policy approaches to drug use, punitive vs. treatment and determining what works to preventing deaths from overdose.
Alex Bennett quoted on the new law requiring the U.S. Department of Defense to systematically collect data on drug overdoses among members of the military, as well as to providing naloxone.