SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2369 FILED ON: 2/19/2021
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1312
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PRESENTED BY:
Marc R. Pacheco
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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying resolve:
Resolve designating August 31st Overdose Awareness Day in the Commonwealth.
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PETITION OF:
Name: | District/Address: |
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Marc R. Pacheco | First Plymouth and Bristol |
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Joanne M. Comerford | Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester | 3/9/2021 |
Steven Ultrino | 33rd Middlesex | 3/12/2021 |
Thomas M. Stanley | 9th Middlesex | 3/18/2021 |
Brendan P. Crighton | Third Essex | 3/24/2021 |
John C. Velis | Second Hampden and Hampshire | 3/26/2021 |
Jack Patrick Lewis | 7th Middlesex | 3/26/2021 |
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. | 20th Middlesex | 3/29/2021 |
Michael D. Brady | Second Plymouth and Bristol | 4/2/2021 |
Patrick M. O'Connor | Plymouth and Norfolk | 4/8/2021 |
James B. Eldridge | Middlesex and Worcester | 4/27/2021 |
SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2369 FILED ON: 2/19/2021
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1312
By Mr. Pacheco, a petition (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 1312) of Marc R. Pacheco, Joanne M. Comerford, Steven Ultrino, Thomas M. Stanley and other members of the General Court for legislation to designate August 31st as Overdose Awareness Day in the Commonwealth. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery. |
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Second General Court
(2021-2022)
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Resolve designating August 31st Overdose Awareness Day in the Commonwealth.
Resolved, Drug addiction is a chronic disease, characterized by compulsive or difficult to control drug use despite harmful consequences; and
Whereas, drug addiction is seen by both the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization as a fast-growing epidemic that can all too easily lead to overdose and death; and
Whereas, in 2020, approximately 81,230 individuals died from drug overdoses in the United States; 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 the individual, their family, and the community at large; and
Whereas, Drug addiction 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 to acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of a drug overdose; and
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
Whereas, recognizing Overdose Awareness Day in Massachusetts sends a strong message to former or current substance users, namely, that they are valued, and that overdose death is preventable; now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Massachusetts State Senate:
1. August 31 of each year shall be designated as “Overdose Awareness Day” in Massachusetts to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to order flags be flown at half-staff and to issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe “Overdose Awareness Day” with appropriate activities and programs each year.