PRINTER'S NO. 1692
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 308
Session of
2024
INTRODUCED BY KANE, KEARNEY, TARTAGLIONE, HAYWOOD, FONTANA,
SANTARSIERO, BROWN, COMITTA, SCHWANK, CAPPELLETTI, COSTA,
HUGHES AND BREWSTER, JUNE 6, 2024
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, JUNE 6, 2024
A RESOLUTION
1 Designating August 31, 2024, as "Overdose Awareness Day" in
2 Pennsylvania.
3 WHEREAS, Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by
4 compulsive or difficult-to-control drug use despite harmful
5 consequences; and
6 WHEREAS, Drug addiction is seen by both the Centers for
7 Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization
8 as a fast-growing epidemic that can all too easily lead to
9 overdose and death; and
10 WHEREAS, In 2022, 107,941 individuals died from drug
11 overdoses in the United States, according to the Centers for
12 Disease Control and Prevention; and
13 WHEREAS, In Pennsylvania alone, in 2022, 5,146 people died
14 from drug overdoses, according to the Department of Health; and
15 WHEREAS, For every drug overdose that results in death there
16 are many more nonfatal overdoses, each taking an emotional and
17 economic toll on the individual, their family and the community
 1 at large; and
2 WHEREAS, Drug addiction can fuel feelings of shame, guilt,
3 embarrassment, depression and hopelessness, causing individuals
4 to resist seeking treatment and support; and
5 WHEREAS, "Overdose Awareness Day" is a global event held on
6 August 31 of each year that aims to raise awareness of drug
7 overdoses, to reduce the stigma of a drug-related death and to
8 acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends remembering
9 those who have died or who have had a permanent injury as a
10 result of a drug overdose; and
11 WHEREAS, Recognizing "Overdose Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania
12 sends a strong message to former or current substance users that
13 they are valued and that overdose death is preventable;
14 therefore be it
15 RESOLVED, That the Senate designate August 31, 2024, as
16 "Overdose Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness of
17 overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death; and be
18 it further
19 RESOLVED, That the Governor be respectfully requested to
20 order flags be flown at half-staff and to issue a proclamation
21 calling upon public officials and the residents of this
22 Commonwealth to observe "Overdose Awareness Day" with
23 appropriate activities and programs.
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