Drug addiction is a chronic disease, characterized by compulsive or difficult to control substance use despite harmful consequences. Both the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization recognize opioid abuse as a fast-growing epidemic that can all too easily lead to overdose and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 69,973 individuals in the United States died from drug overdoses in 2025.
 
For every drug overdose that results in death, there are many more nonfatal overdoses, each taking an emotional and economic toll on the individual, their family, and the community at large. We have witnessed the difficult toll this has taken on our constituents, communities, friends, and families.
 
To bring awareness and to help the many Pennsylvanians that have struggled with overdoses and impacts of drug overdoses, we are introducing a resolution to recognize August 31, 2026, as Overdose Awareness Day in Pennsylvania. In addition to recognizing this day, the resolution urges the Governor to fly flags at half-staff at all Commonwealth buildings for those that have lost their lives to opioid overdoses.
 
Please join us in cosponsoring this resolution.