Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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August 31, 2020
WHEREAS, International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized globally on August 31st to raise awareness about the risks of overdosing, honor the individuals whose lives have been lost, and acknowledge the grief felt by families, friends, and communities; 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 were opioid 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. Naloxone continues to be in high demand 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 publicly mourn for loved ones without feeling guilt or shame 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, 2020, as Overdose Awareness Day in Michigan.