Legislation Document

SPONSOR:	Sen. Hansen & Sen. Townsend & Sen. Walsh
Sens. Bonini, Ennis, Hocker, Lopez, Poore, Sturgeon, Wilson; Reps. Baumbach, Bentz, Briggs King, Heffernan, Hensley, K. Johnson, Morrison, Osienski, Michael Smith, K. Williams

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

151st GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4

DESIGNATING AUGUST 31, 2021, 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, to provide information about overdose prevention and drug policy, and to reduce the stigmas related to substance abuse disorders; and

WHEREAS, in the United States, opioid-related deaths have risen dramatically since the 1990’s and now account for 136 people dying each day from an overdose; and

WHEREAS, since 2013, the “third wave” of overdose deaths were 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, and cocaine; and

WHEREAS, North America continues to experience the highest drug-related mortality rate in the world and an estimated 2.1 million people in the United States struggle with an opioid use disorder; and

WHEREAS, Delaware has the second highest rate of overdose deaths per 100,000 people, in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the recognition of opioid overdose in the State, and 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 as well as raising awareness about the needs of individuals struggling with substance-abuse disorders.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 151st General Assembly of the State of Delaware, with the approval of the Governor, that August 31, 2021, is designated as “International Overdose Awareness Day” in the State of Delaware.

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.