HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

149th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 20

RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF APRIL 2017 AS "ALCOHOLISM AWARENESS MONTH" IN DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, it is estimated that 15.1 million Americans over the age of eighteen suffer from alcohol use disorder; and

WHEREAS, alcohol is the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the United States; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that one in four children in the United States under the age of eighteen is hurt by family alcohol abuse or alcoholism, and that countless others are affected by parental drug use; and

WHEREAS, there is strong scientific evidence that alcoholism runs in families, with children of alcoholics being two to four times more likely to develop alcoholism than children of non-alcoholics; and

WHEREAS, parental alcohol abuse or drug use is a significant factor in a large proportion of child abuse and neglect cases; and

WHEREAS, the interest and support from family, friends, health professionals, teachers, clergy, and others may help addicted persons discuss and move toward treatment for alcoholism and drug dependence; and

WHEREAS, a month of recognition would give the opportunity to break the silence often surrounding alcoholism.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 149th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that April 2017 is hereby designated as “Alcoholism Awareness Month,” and the State Legislature calls upon Delawareans to observe this week by breaking the silence and talking with family and friends about alcoholism and its impact.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitably prepared copy of this Resolution be delivered to Delaware Association of Children of Alcoholics at P.O. Box 344, Hockessin, Delaware 19707.

SYNOPSIS

This concurrent resolution designates the month of April 2017, as “Alcoholism Awareness Month” and calls upon Delawareans to break the silence and talk to their family and friends about alcoholism.