Sponsored by:
Senator ANTHONY M. BUCCO
District 25 (Morris and Somerset)
Senator DAWN MARIE ADDIEGO
District 8 (Atlantic, Burlington and Camden)
SYNOPSIS
Designates August 31 of each year “Overdose Awareness Day” in New Jersey.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating August 31 of each year as “Overdose Awareness Day” in New Jersey.
Whereas, Drug addiction is a chronic disease, characterized by compulsive or difficult to control drug use despite harmful consequences; and
Whereas, Drug addiction is seen by both the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization as a fast-growing epidemic that can all too easily lead to overdose and death; and
Whereas, In 2018, 67,367 individuals died from drug overdoses in the United States; and
Whereas, In New Jersey alone, 2,900 people died from drug overdoses in 2018; and
Whereas, Furthermore, 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; and
Whereas, Drug addiction can fuel feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment, depression, and hopelessness, causing individuals to resist seeking treatment and support; and
Whereas, Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August 31 of each year that aims to raise awareness of drug overdoses, reduce the stigma of a drug-related death, and to acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of a drug overdose; and
Whereas, Recognizing Overdose Awareness Day in New Jersey sends a strong message to former or current substance users, namely, that they are valued, and that overdose death is preventable; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. August 31 of each year shall be designated as “Overdose Awareness Day” in New Jersey to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to order flags be flown at half-staff and to issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe “Overdose Awareness Day” with appropriate activities and programs each year.
3. This joint resolution
shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution designates August 31 of each year as “Overdose Awareness Day” in New Jersey.
Drug addiction is a chronic disease, characterized by compulsive or difficult to control drug use despite harmful consequences, and is seen by both the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization as a fast-growing epidemic that can all too easily lead to overdose and death. In 2018, 67,367 individuals died from drug overdoses in the United States, while in New Jersey alone that year, 2,900 people died from drug overdoses. Furthermore, 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.
Drug addiction can fuel feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment, depression, and hopelessness, which can cause individuals to resist seeking treatment and support. Overdose Awareness Day is a international event held on August 31 of each year that aims to raise awareness of drug overdoses, reduce the stigma of a drug-related death, and to acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of a drug overdose. To further the goals of Overdose Awareness Day, all flags throughout the State should be flown at half-staff for the day’s duration. Recognizing Overdose Awareness Day in New Jersey sends a strong message to former or current substance users, namely, that they are valued, and that overdose death is preventable.