Bill Text: WV SR41 | 2022 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designating February 28, 2022, as Recovery Community Day
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-1)
Status: (Passed) 2022-02-28 - Completed legislative action [SR41 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2022-SR41-Introduced.html
SENATE RESOLUTION 41
(By Senator Romano)
[Introduced February 25, 2022]
Designating February 28, 2022, as Recovery Community Day.
Whereas, From April 2020 to April 2021, more than 100,000 Americans and 1,607 West Virginians died from a drug related overdose; and
Whereas, The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted daily life and has negatively affected those with substance abuse substantially more than the general population, leading to an increase in opioid overdose in 37 of the 38 reporting jurisdictions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and
Whereas, West Virginia has the highest number of opioid-related deaths per capita in the United States; and
Whereas, As many as 40,000 people nationally, including 4,000 youth, seek treatment for illegal drug use and fail to receive it in any given year; and
Whereas, One in 13 individuals age 12 or older, and one in seven young adults age 18 to 25 needed some form of intervention for substance use annually from 2015-2018; and
Whereas, More than one in six high school students report drinking alcohol for the first time prior to turning 13 years old; and
Whereas, In 2018 Congress enacted Public Law 115-271, the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act, known as the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act to address the nationwide opioid crisis; and
Whereas, A recovery coach is defined in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act as an individual with knowledge of, or experience with recovery from a substance use disorder who has completed training, and is in good standing with a recovery services organization capable of conducting such training and making such a determination; and
Whereas, Recovery coaches assist individuals in recovery by fostering social interactions, sharing experiences, promoting wellness, improving quality of life, improving coping skills, supporting acceptance of illnesses, or life situations; and
Whereas, Youth-life recovery coaches promote prevention and recovery by removing barriers and obstacles to social, emotional, and growth mindset learning and serving as personal guides and mentors for young people who are seeking help with life transitions and their journey to adulthood; and
Whereas, By working with recovery coaches, peers, and others in the community, individuals in recovery can establish a connection with society, gain and provide hope for others, counter the associated stigmas, and share the perspectives and truths gained during their journey; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby designates February 28, 2022, as Recovery Community Day at the Legislature in honor of all those who dedicate themselves to reversing the society altering effects of substance abuse and addition; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representatives of Recovery Community Day.
