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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | September 5, 2018 02:40 PM |
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| From: | Representative Daniel J. Deasy |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Recognizing October 2018 as "National Substance Abuse Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania |
| September 5, 2018 MEMORANDUM TO: All House Members FROM: Rep. Dan Deasy RE: Co-sponsorship of Resolution – Recognizing the Month of October 2018 as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month” in Pennsylvania. In the near future, I intend to introduce a resolution recognizing October 2018 as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month in Pennsylvania. The Office of National Drug Control Policy joins many around the nation in observing “National Substance Abuse Prevention Month” to highlight the vital role of substance abuse prevention in both individual and community health and to remember those who have lost their lives to substance abuse. Millions of Americans suffer from substance abuse, which includes underage drinking, abuse of over-the-counter medications and illicit drug use. According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 15.1 million adults 18 years of age and older had an alcohol use disorder and an estimated 623,000 adolescents ages 12-17 years of age hand an alcohol disorder. Furthermore, Pennsylvania currently ranks higher than most other states for heroin and opioid substance abuse and youth alcohol abuse. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Pennsylvania saw a 37% increase in drug overdose deaths from 2015-2016. Prevention strategies and early intervention efforts are essential to curtail drug use and help people lead healthier lives and reduces the negative consequences of addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs results in $740 billion annually in costs related to crime, lost work productivity and healthcare. Each dollar invested in an evidence-based prevention program can reduce costs related to substance use disorders by an average of $18.30. Throughout “National Substance Abuse Prevention Month,” the Office of National Drug Policy will orchestrate federal prevention activities and support participation in the observance within states and communities. Please join me in cosponsoring this resolution and work in your district to promote Substance Abuse Awareness Month during the month of October. |
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Introduced as HR1053