Bill Text: NJ SJR85 | 2020-2021 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Designates August 31 of each year "Overdose Awareness Day" in New Jersey.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-3)
Status: (Passed) 2020-08-31 - Approved P.L.2020, JR-2. [SJR85 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2020-SJR85-Chaptered.html
§§1,2 -
C.36:2-394 &
36:2-395
P.L. 2020, Joint Resolution No. 2, approved August 31, 2020
Senate Joint Resolution No. 85 (Second Reprint)
A Joint Resolution designating August 31 of each year as "Overdose Awareness Day" in New Jersey.
Whereas, 1[Drug addiction] Substance use disorder1 is a chronic disease 1[,]1 characterized by 1the problematic,1 compulsive 1,1 or 1[difficult to control drug] difficult-to-control1 use 1of drugs and other substances,1 despite harmful consequences; and
Whereas, 1[Drug addiction] Substance use disorder, particularly when it involves opioid drugs,1 is seen by both the 1federal1 Centers for Disease Control 1and Prevention1 and the World Health Organization as a fast-growing epidemic that can all too easily lead to overdose and death; and
Whereas, In 2018, 67,367 individuals died from drug overdoses in the United States; and
Whereas, In New Jersey alone, 2,900 people died from drug overdoses in 2018; 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 1[the individual] individuals1 , their 1[family] families1 , and the community at large; and
Whereas, 1[Drug addiction] A substance use disorder1 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 1[to]1 acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who 1[have died or had a permanent injury] died or were permanently injured1 as a result of a drug overdose; and
2[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]2
Whereas, Recognizing Overdose Awareness Day in New Jersey sends a strong message to former 1[or] and1 current substance users, namely, that they are valued, and that overdose death is preventable; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. August 31 of each year shall be designated as "Overdose Awareness Day" in New Jersey to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to 2[order flags be flown at half-staff] observe a moment of silence2 1on August 31 of each year1 and to 1annually1 issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe "Overdose Awareness Day" with appropriate activities and programs 1[each year]1 2.2
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
Designates August 31 of each year "Overdose Awareness Day" in New Jersey.
