August 31, 2019: Overdose Awareness Day

WHEREAS, International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized globally on August 31^st to raise awareness about the risks of overdosing, honor the individuals whose lives have been lost from overdosing, and acknowledge the grief felt by families, friends, and the community; and,

WHEREAS, Overdose Awareness Day aims to publicly challenge the stigma associated with substance use disorders and overdosing; and,

WHEREAS, in 2017, 2,686 individuals died from a drug overdose in Michigan, and of those deaths, 76.4 percent opioids were involved, representing a 13.8 percent rate increase from 2016; and,

WHEREAS, in 2017, naloxone administrations were 14.3 per 1,000 patient encounters according to the Emergency Medical Services, as naloxone continues to be in high necessity within Michigan for first responders, emergency personnel, family, friends, and non-EMS professions; and,

WHEREAS, in 2017, over 1.1 million people in Michigan, age 12 and older, had abused an illicit drug in the past month; and,

WHEREAS, today, we join with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and various community networks to provide an opportunity for people to honor those whose lives have been impacted or lost and send a message of love and support to those suffering from a substance use disorder;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim August 31, 2019 as Overdose Awareness Day in Michigan.