P.L. 2020, jr.002

A Joint Resolution designating August 31 of each year as “Overdose Awareness Day” in New Jersey.

Whereas, ¹[Drug addiction] Substance use disorder¹ is a chronic disease ¹[,]¹ characterized by ¹the problematic,¹ compulsive ¹,¹ or ¹[difficult to control drug] difficult-to-control¹ use ¹of drugs and other substances,¹ despite harmful consequences; and

Whereas, ¹[Drug addiction] Substance use disorder, particularly when it involves opioid drugs,¹ is seen by both the ¹federal¹ Centers for Disease Control ¹and Prevention¹ 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 ¹[the individual] individuals¹ , their ¹[family] families¹ , and the community at large; and

Whereas, ¹[Drug addiction] A substance use disorder¹ 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 ¹[to]¹ acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who ¹[have died or had a permanent injury] died or were permanently injured¹ as a result of a drug overdose; and

²[Whereas, To further the goals of Overdose Awareness Day, all flags throughout the State should be flown at half-staff for the day’s duration; and]²

Whereas, Recognizing Overdose Awareness Day in New Jersey sends a strong message to former ¹[or] and¹ 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 ²[order flags be flown at half-staff] observe a moment of silence² ¹on August 31 of each year¹ and to ¹annually¹ issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe “Overdose Awareness Day” with appropriate activities and programs ¹[each year]^{1 2}.²

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

Designates August 31 of each year “Overdose Awareness Day” in New Jersey.