PRINTER'S NO. 991
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
150
Session of
2021
INTRODUCED BY KANE, KEARNEY, PHILLIPS-HILL, BROWNE, HUGHES,
FONTANA, MUTH, STEFANO, YUDICHAK, STREET AND COMITTA,
JULY 7, 2021
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, JULY 7, 2021
A RESOLUTION
Designating August 31, 2021, 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 2019, 70,630 individuals died from drug overdoses
in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention; and
WHEREAS, In Pennsylvania alone, in 2019, 4,458 people died
from drug overdoses, according to the Pennsylvania Department of
Health; and
WHEREAS, For every drug overdose that results in death there
are many more nonfatal overdoses, each taking an emotional and
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economic toll on the individual, their family and the community
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, 2021, as
"Overdose Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness of
overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death;
therefore be it
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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