The declaration of Opioid Awareness Month is a symbolic yet crucial step towards acknowledging the severity of the opioid epidemic and its impact on public health in California. By designating this month, the resolution encourages governmental agencies, organizations, and the community to engage in activities aimed at raising awareness about opioid-related issues. This public acknowledgment is intended to mobilize resources and initiatives focused on opioid misuse prevention and treatment options for those affected by opioid use disorder.
ACR 149 is an Assembly Concurrent Resolution introduced by Assembly Member Voepel, aiming to declare the month of September 2020 as Opioid Awareness Month in California. The resolution highlights the serious nature of the opioid crisis, noting that it resulted in 47,600 overdose deaths in 2017 alone, representing a significant percentage of overall drug fatalities. This legislation seeks to bring attention to the ongoing epidemic and its devastating effects on communities across the state. It is a call for increased public awareness and educational initiatives surrounding opioid addiction and overdose prevention.
While there may not be significant points of contention surrounding ACR 149, it does implicitly address larger systemic issues regarding opioid prescriptions and the need for better regulation and support systems for patients at risk of opioid dependence. The resolution frames the opioid crisis as a multifaceted public health problem that necessitates an integrated response from health authorities, policymakers, and community organizations to effectively combat the overdose epidemic and support those in need.