The resolution urges the New Jersey Department of Health (NJ DOH) to enhance public awareness regarding the dangers associated with xylazine, a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer that has emerged as a street drug, commonly referred to as Tranq or the Zombie Drug. This substance has raised significant concerns due to its increasing association with overdose deaths in New Jersey and neighboring states. Xylazine acts as a central nervous system depressant, leading to severe health risks such as drowsiness, amnesia, and dangerously low vital signs. Its use, often in combination with other drugs like illicit fentanyl, exacerbates the risk of life-threatening overdoses, and the lack of an effective antidote, such as naloxone, further complicates the public health threat it poses.

The resolution emphasizes the need for the NJ DOH to provide educational resources to inform the public about the risks of xylazine use, particularly as it is often consumed through various methods including injection, snorting, and inhalation. The growing prevalence of xylazine-related health issues, including skin complications and overdose deaths involving multiple substances, highlights the urgency for increased awareness and preventive measures. The resolution calls for the NJ DOH to take appropriate steps to address this public health crisis and ensure that New Jerseyans are equipped with the necessary information to understand the dangers of this drug.