Bill Text: DE SJR8 | 2023-2024 | 152nd General Assembly | Draft
Bill Title: Designating August 31, 2024, As "international Overdose Awareness Day" In The State Of Delaware And Requiring The State Flag To Be Flown At Half-staff In Observance.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 13-5)
Status: (Passed) 2024-08-29 - Signed by Governor [SJR8 Detail]
Download: Delaware-2023-SJR8-Draft.html
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SPONSOR: |
Sen. Hansen & Rep. Longhurst |
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Sens. Sokola, Townsend, Mantzavinos, Hoffner, Huxtable, Hocker; Reps. Osienski, K. Johnson, Morrison, Romer, Baumbach, Hensley, Dukes, Michael Smith, Yearick |
DELAWARE STATE SENATE
152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 8
DESIGNATING AUGUST 31, 2024, AS "INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND REQUIRING THE STATE FLAG TO BE FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF IN OBSERVANCE.
WHEREAS, International Overdose Awareness Day is held on August 31 every year and 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, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 109,940 individuals died from an overdose in the United States between February 2022 and February 2023; and
WHEREAS, since 2013, a third wave of overdose deaths is attributed to the use of synthetic opioids, including illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which continue to be found in combination with drugs such as heroin, counterfeit pills, tranquilizers, and cocaine; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 2.5 million people in the United States struggle with opioid use disorder; and
WHEREAS, synthetic opioids are the fastest growing cause of overdose deaths, killing approximately 136 Americans every day; and
WHEREAS, Delaware has one of the highest drug overdose mortality rates in the country; and
WHEREAS, recognizing opioid overdose in this State and acknowledging how policy initiatives, educational efforts, and access to services are life-saving measures can help minimize the negative effects the opioid epidemic has caused throughout communities; and
WHEREAS, International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind, and raise 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, 2024, as “International Overdose Awareness Day” in the State of Delaware.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly remembers those who have died from overdose and acknowledges the grief suffered by Delawareans, and people around the world, from losing a loved one to overdose.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day, the State flag is to be lowered to half-staff at State facilities on August 31, 2024, and local governments, businesses, and individual Delawareans are encouraged to do the same.
SYNOPSIS
This Joint Resolution designates August 31, 2024, as "International Overdose Awareness Day" in the State of Delaware and requires that in observance, the State flag be flown at half-staff at State facilities. By recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day, this Joint Resolution affirms the importance of overdose awareness, remembers those who have died from overdose, and acknowledges the grief suffered from losing a loved one to overdose.
Author: Senator Hansen
