Bill Text: IL HR0665 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Declares April 14 through April 20, 2024 as Harm Reduction Solidarity Week in the State of Illinois in order to raise awareness about the principles and practices of harm reduction, emphasizing its vital role in public health and safety. Encourages communities to engage in activities that promote education, dialogue, and support for harm reduction initiatives during the week. Recognizes the importance of promoting public health and safety through highlighting proactive measures like harm reduction coupled with recent legislative accomplishments. Acknowledges the dedication and contributions of harm reductionists. Reaffirms commitment to supporting evidence-based harm reduction strategies and to lead with compassion and humanity in place of perpetuating stigma and criminalization in order to greatly reduce substance use-related harm in Illinois.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 19-0)

Status: (Passed) 2024-05-03 - Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin [HR0665 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-HR0665-Introduced.html

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HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
reported 3,261 opioid-related overdose fatalities in 2022,
representing an estimated 272 lives lost every month as the
State's overdose crisis persists; and
WHEREAS, The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office
confirmed that 2,000 opioid-related deaths occurred in Cook
County during 2022, with Black residents comprising 56% of
deaths despite only representing 23% of the county's
population; and
WHEREAS, The Opioid Data Dashboard provided by IDPH
vividly demonstrates the extensive reach of opioid-related
overdose across the State; outside of Cook County, the
counties that experience the brunt of fatalities include Will
County, Winnebago County, DuPage County, Lake County, Kane
County, Madison County, St. Clair County, Sangamon County,
McHenry County, and Champaign County; and
WHEREAS, Harm reduction is defined as a set of practical
strategies and philosophy aimed at reducing negative
consequences associated with drug use; it is also a movement
for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the
rights of people who use drugs; and

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WHEREAS, Harm reduction measures help to reduce HIV
transmissions, among other benefits, including assisting in
the prevention against the acquisition of other blood-borne
viruses such as Hepatitis B and C, the prevention of fatal
overdoses, the decrease in encounters with the criminal legal
system, the reduction of social exclusion for people who use
drugs, and the improvement in access to medical care, mental
health support, housing, community support, food, and other
basic needs; and
WHEREAS, Extensive research and reports continue to
demonstrate that harm reduction strategies not only save lives
by preventing overdose deaths but also limit State expenses in
response to hospitalizations, emergency calls, and deaths,
promote public safety by diverting hazardous waste from public
spaces, and do not lead to an increase in crime rates; and
WHEREAS, Harm reduction operates on the understanding that
recovery is a multifaceted journey and that harm reduction
strategies complement traditional recovery approaches; and
WHEREAS, While people who use drugs continue to face
social stigma, they still possess the right to receive access
to housing, education, economic mobility, mental health care,
and a range of services to support a better quality of life;

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and
WHEREAS, Harm reduction acknowledges the intersecting
systems of oppression that marginalize people who use drugs
and centers the need for racial, economic, and gender justice
within policies and practices; and
WHEREAS, Across the State, harm reductionists tirelessly
dedicate themselves towards mitigating the harms of substance
use and providing critical support to individuals in need, and
it is essential to recognize and appreciate the strain and
labor undertaken by these individuals as they endure secondary
trauma and navigate complex social, economic, and political
landscapes; and
WHEREAS, Not a region in the State goes untouched by the
impacts of overdose, and a shared collective interest in
safety forms the solidarity necessary to take urgent action to
prevent further loss of life and devastation within our
communities; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
we declare April 14 through April 20, 2024 as Harm Reduction
Solidarity Week in the State of Illinois in order to raise
awareness about the principles and practices of harm

HR0665 - 4 - LRB103 39955 LAW 71084 r
reduction, emphasizing its vital role in public health and
safety; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we encourage communities to engage in
activities that promote education, dialogue, and support for
harm reduction initiatives during Harm Reduction Solidarity
Week; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we recognize the importance of promoting
public health and safety through highlighting proactive
measures like harm reduction coupled with recent legislative
accomplishments, such as expanding comprehensive drug
education in schools and providing wider access to harm
reduction tools, including naloxone, testing strips, and safe
supplies education and distribution; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we acknowledge the dedication and
contributions of harm reductionists and express our gratitude
for their tireless efforts to address substance use-related
harm; and be it further