September 2024: Drug-Free Pain Management Awareness Month

WHEREAS, the overuse, misuse, and abuse of prescription opioid painkillers leading to addiction and catastrophic outcomes has become a statewide and national crisis; and,

WHEREAS, drug overdose is a leading cause of accidental death in the United States, with provisional data released by the federal government estimating that nearly 107,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2023; and,

WHEREAS, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than one million people have died since 1999 from a drug overdose; and,

WHEREAS, opioids were involved in 81,607 overdose deaths in 2022 (75.8% of all national drug overdose deaths) according to provisional data released by the federal government; and,

WHEREAS, opioid addiction is driving this epidemic, as, according to provisional data from the CDC, of the 2,997 drug overdose deaths in Michigan in 2022, 2,418 were related to opioids; and,

WHEREAS, according to data from the CDC, Michigan has been hit particularly hard by this health care crisis, with approximately six Michiganders dying every day due to opioid overdoses; and,

WHEREAS, in 2022, Michigan health care providers wrote 50.3 opioid prescriptions for every 100 Michiganders, compared to the national average of 39.5 opioid prescriptions for every 100 Americans, according to the CDC; and,

WHEREAS, prescription opioids are often recommended for the management of low back, neck, and musculoskeletal pain, and more than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, with an estimated 80 percent of all Americans experiencing some form of back pain during their lifetime; and,

WHEREAS, my administration and the Michigan Legislature have made it a high priority to combat this health care crisis and save lives by addressing prescription drug abuse; and,

WHEREAS, recognizing the diverse needs of people across our state, Michiganders have access to numerous avenues for effective pain management beyond traditional prescription drugs, including reputable drug-free health care options such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, and other forms of therapy, ensuring that Michiganders can explore a range of comprehensive and holistic approaches to alleviate pain and enhance their overall well-being; and,

WHEREAS, drug-free forms of health care, including chiropractic care, physical therapy, and other treatments, can play an important role in helping to ease the immense burden of pain management facing our state;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2024 as Drug-Free Pain Management Awareness Month in Michigan.