Sponsored by:
Senator LORETTA WEINBERG
District 37 (Bergen)
SYNOPSIS
Designates one night in November of each year as a “Night of Conversation” about drug and alcohol addiction.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating a “Night of Conversation” about drug and alcohol addiction in November of each year.
Whereas, The deadly disease of addiction is prevalent in our society, with untold suffering in grief, lost productivity, health care costs, various family burdens and crime; and
Whereas, This resolution seeks to declare that prevention efforts be made on an annual basis in the form of a “Night of Conversation”; and
Whereas, The intent of this “Night of Conversation” will be for government, the private sector, the education system, religious communities and the media to designate communication resources regarding drug and alcohol addiction to this particular evening. This intent of this mass focus will be to ignite prevention efforts and reduce the harm of addiction in state residents; and
Whereas, Each year, on November 19th, or the Thursday one week before Thanksgiving if the 19th falls on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, New Jersey will observe a “Night of Conversation” in which families are encouraged to talk about drug addiction and alcoholism; and
Whereas, By declaring this “Night of Conversation,” schools, community organizations, youth organizations, and faith-based and secular groups will mention where to find reliable information and where to access help or care, as well as take this opportunity for their own drug abuse prevention activities; and
Whereas, As a lead up to this “Night of Conversation,” the New Jersey State Legislature and any relevant State agencies can post on their web sites and official communiqués a link to resources and support. These resources will join with the existing infrastructure maintained by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the New Jersey Department of Human Services; and
Whereas, An empty dinner plate will serve as a universal symbol for eternal recognition of the Night of Conversation. The empty dinner plate will symbolize that on the Night of Conversation, the focus of the evening is on discussion and not food; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. November 19th of each year, or the Thursday one week before Thanksgiving if the 19th falls on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, is designated as the “Night of Conversation” in which families are encouraged to talk about drug addiction and alcoholism.
2. The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe the "Night of Conversation" with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution designates November 19th of each year, or the Thursday one week before Thanksgiving if the 19th falls on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, as a “Night of Conversation” in which families are encouraged to talk about drug addiction and alcoholism.