PRINTER'S NO. 1793
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
317
Session of
2022
INTRODUCED BY KANE, KEARNEY, COMITTA, CAPPELLETTI, BREWSTER,
MARTIN, J. WARD, SCHWANK, BAKER, YUDICHAK, BROWNE AND COSTA,
JUNE 20, 2022
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, JUNE 20, 2022
A RESOLUTION
Designating August 31, 2022, as "Overdose Awareness Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by
compulsive or difficult-to-control drug use despite harmful
consequences; and
WHEREAS, Drug addiction is seen by both the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization
as a fast-growing epidemic that can all too easily lead to
overdose and death; and
WHEREAS, In 2020, 91,799 individuals died from drug overdoses
in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention; and
WHEREAS, In Pennsylvania alone, in 2020, 5,075 people died
from drug overdoses, according to the Department of Health; and
WHEREAS, For every drug overdose that results in death there
are many more nonfatal overdoses, each taking an emotional and
economic toll on the individual, their family and the community
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at large; and
WHEREAS, Drug addiction can fuel feelings of shame, guilt,
embarrassment, depression and hopelessness, causing individuals
to resist seeking treatment and support; and
WHEREAS, "Overdose Awareness Day" is a global event held on
August 31 of each year that aims to raise awareness of drug
overdoses, to reduce the stigma of a drug-related death and to
acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends remembering
those who have died or who have had a permanent injury as a
result of a drug overdose; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing "Overdose Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania
sends a strong message to former or current substance users that
they are valued and that overdose death is preventable;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate August 31, 2022, as
"Overdose Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness of
overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the Governor be respectfully requested to
order flags be flown at half staff and to issue a proclamation
calling upon public officials and the residents of this
Commonwealth to observe "Overdose Awareness Day" with
appropriate activities and programs.
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