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8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This concurrent resolution declares August 31 as Overdose Awareness Day.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This resolution:
13 ▸ recognizes the impact of overdose on the state;
14 ▸ describes the importance of recognizing Overdose Awareness Day; and
15 ▸ declares August 31 as Overdose Awareness Day, and urges Utahns to remember,
16 raise awareness, and do their part to support those impacted by overdose.
17 Special Clauses:
18 None
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20 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
21 WHEREAS, International Overdose Awareness Day aims to raise awareness of
22 overdose, to reduce the stigma surrounding overdose related fatalities, and to remember those
23 who have died or suffered as a result of overdose;
24 WHEREAS, communities across our state continue to be impacted by overdose related
25 fatalities, as well as by the struggles of loved ones with substance use disorders and mental
26 health disorders;
27 WHEREAS, International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event recognized with
28 local events and by lowering of the flag at all state buildings to half staff;
29 WHEREAS, the state of Utah has recognized the dire nature of the opioid crisis placing
30 Utah as high as fourth in the nation for overdose fatalities;
31 WHEREAS, overdose claimed the lives of 495 Utahns in 2019;
32 WHEREAS, Utah has had widespread efforts from the Legislature, state agencies, the
33 medical community, community-based organizations, the recovery community, first
34 responders, and individual community members to recognize and act in this time of crisis; and
35 WHEREAS, through directed efforts such as implementation of naloxone education
36 and access, broad opioid awareness and education campaigns, peer support services, access to
37 treatment, and implementation of crisis receiving centers, the death toll is decreasing, and Utah
38 is now one of only a few states with a decreasing overdose death rate:
39 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
40 Governor concurring therein, declares August 31 as Overdose Awareness Day and joins in the
41 nationwide movement to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remember those lost to overdose.
42 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor encourage
43 citizens of Utah to observe Overdose Awareness Day as a time to remember, raise awareness,
44 and do their part to be kind and supportive of those impacted in this manner.
45 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Lieutenant
46 Governor for recognition of Overdose Awareness Day.