The resolution emphasizes the serious ramifications of opioid misuse, detailing the rise in opioid prescriptions and the resulting deaths from overdose. It states that more than 183,000 people died from opioid-related overdoses between 1999 and 2015. By designating a month specifically for awareness, the resolution aims to encourage residents and organizations to engage in prevention efforts and support initiatives to address the opioid epidemic, which poses massive social and economic costs.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 68 (SCR68) was introduced to designate the month of September 2017 as Opioid, Heroin, Fentanyl, and Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month. This resolution highlights the growing concern regarding opioid use and its impact on public health, noting that prescription opioids have become more widely utilized than tobacco. The resolution seeks to raise awareness about the alarming statistics surrounding drug overdoses, particularly those related to opioids, and to promote community education and support in combating the drug crisis.
The general sentiment surrounding SCR68 is one of urgency and determination to confront the opioid crisis head-on. Lawmakers and public health advocates express strong support for raising awareness, underscoring the importance of community involvement. However, the effectiveness of such resolutions in prompting actionable change has been a topic of contention, with some skeptics questioning whether awareness alone can lead to impactful solutions.
While SCR68 is a step towards acknowledging the severity of the opioid crisis, there may still be differing opinions on the best methods to address drug addiction and prevention. Some may argue that legislative and policy changes are necessary beyond awareness efforts, while others believe that community education and outreach can significantly help prevent drug abuse. Thus, the resolution serves both as a rallying point for awareness and a foundation for further discussions on effective strategies for combating addiction.