H.B. 180
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
Feb 25, 2021
SESSION 2021 HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK
H D
HOUSE BILL DRH30098-LG-52A
Short Title: Designate Overdose Awareness Day. (Public)
Sponsors: Representative K. Baker.
Referred to:
1 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
2 AN ACT DESIGNATING THE THIRTY-FIRST DAY OF AUGUST OF EACH YEAR AS
3 OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY.
4 Whereas, thousands of people from all socioeconomic backgrounds, races, and ages
5 die each year from drug overdose; and
6 Whereas, in 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that there
7 were 67,367 drug overdose deaths in the United States, including 2,259 in North Carolina. Opioid
8 use accounted for about 70% of the total deaths, most of which could have been prevented; and
9 Whereas, International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August
10 31st of each year to raise awareness of drug overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths,
11 and spread the message that overdose death is preventable; and
12 Whereas, the event also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends
13 remembering those who have died or suffered a permanent injury because of drug overdose; and
14 Whereas, to better educate the State's citizens about drug addiction and overdose,
15 Overdose Awareness Day should be observed in North Carolina on August 31st of each year to
16 coincide with the international event; Now, therefore,
17 The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
18 SECTION 1. Chapter 103 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new
19 section to read:
20 "§ 103-16. Overdose Awareness Day.
21 The thirty-first day of August of each year is designated as Overdose Awareness Day in North
22 Carolina."
23 SECTION 2. This act is effective when it becomes law.
*DRH30098-LG-52A*