SUBSTITUTE FOR
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 254
1 A resolution to declare May 7-13, 2024, as Fentanyl Awareness
2 Week in the state of Michigan.
3 Whereas, Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to
4 100 times more potent than morphine, and 30 to 50 times more potent
5 than heroin. Just two milligrams—the equivalent of a few grains of
6 salt—is a potentially lethal dose; and
7 Whereas, Fentanyl has been increasingly found mixed with other
8 drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills, contributing
9 to the current opioid crisis; and
10 Whereas, Most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose are
11 linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which is distributed
12 through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is
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1 often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which
2 makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more
3 dangerous; and
4 Whereas, The Detroit Field Division of the Drug Enforcement
5 Administration confiscated 1,168 pounds of fentanyl in 2023, 70%
6 more than it seized the previous year, according to a statement
7 from federal authorities; and
8 Whereas, Fentanyl has been a significant contributor to the
9 rise in drug overdose deaths in the State of Michigan and across
10 the United States; and
11 Whereas, Fentanyl-related deaths in Michigan have surged
12 dramatically in recent years, there were 2,539 opioid overdose
13 deaths recorded in Michigan in 2021; and
14 Whereas, The impact of fentanyl on communities in Michigan has
15 been profound, affecting individuals, families, and neighborhoods
16 across the state; and
17 Whereas, Raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl is
18 crucial to combating its spread and preventing further loss of
19 lives; now, therefore, be it
20 Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of
21 this legislative body declare May 7-13, 2024, as Fentanyl Awareness
22 Week in the State of Michigan. We call this observance to the
23 attention of all our citizens.
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