Legislation Document

SPONSOR:	Sen. Hansen & Rep. Dorsey Walker & Rep. Baumbach
Sens. Brown, Gay, Hoffner, Mantzavinos, Townsend, Walsh; Reps. Briggs King, Dukes, Hensley, Morrison, Michael Smith, Wilson-Anton

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2

DESIGNATING AUGUST 31, 2023, AS "INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, International Overdose Awareness Day was launched as a global effort to provide people with the opportunity to mourn loved ones in public without feeling guilt, provide information about overdose prevention and drug policy, and reduce the stigmas related to substance abuse disorders; and

WHEREAS, in the United States, opioid-related deaths have risen dramatically since the 1990s and now account for approximately 225 people dying each day from an overdose, or over 80,000 deaths per year; and

WHEREAS, since 2013, a “third wave” of overdose deaths is attributed to the use of synthetic opioids, including illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which continues to be found in combination with drugs such as heroin, counterfeit pills, tranquilizers, and cocaine; and

WHEREAS, an estimated 2.1 million people in the United States struggle with an opioid use disorder; and

WHEREAS, Delaware has one of the highest drug overdose mortality rates in the country; and

WHEREAS, we can help minimize the negative effects that the opioid epidemic has caused throughout communities by the recognizing opioid overdose in this State and acknowledging how policy initiatives, educational efforts, and access to services are life-saving measures; and

WHEREAS, International Overdose Awareness Day symbolizes the global event of acknowledging the grief held by families and friends and raises awareness about the needs of individuals struggling with substance abuse disorders.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 152nd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, with the approval of the Governor, that the General Assembly affirms the importance of overdose awareness, and hereby designates August 31, 2023 as “International Overdose Awareness Day” in the State of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly encourages expanded efforts to keep Delaware residents properly informed of the grief that comes from losing a loved one to overdose.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State flag is to be lowered to half-staff at State facilities. Local governments, businesses, and Delawareans are encouraged to do the same.