Us Congress House Bill HR476

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/6/23
• Refer: 6/6/23
• Refer: 6/9/23

Caption

Supporting the designation of June 6, 2023, as National Naloxone Awareness Day.

Impact

By proclaiming a specific awareness day, the resolution aims to foster greater understanding and educational outreach concerning the administration of naloxone and the identification of overdose signs. The House encourages cooperation among federal, state, and local governments, as well as nonprofit organizations, to increase education on naloxone and its distribution. Given the alarming statistics on overdoses, such initiatives could lead to enhanced community preparedness in addressing overdose incidents and ultimately save lives.

Summary

House Resolution 476 proposes to designate June 6, 2023, as National Naloxone Awareness Day. The resolution highlights the critical role naloxone plays in preventing fatal opioid overdoses, a matter of urgent public health due to the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States. With opioid overdoses claiming approximately 79,770 lives in just one year, the resolution seeks to raise awareness about naloxone's life-saving benefits and encourage its availability to individuals, families, and first responders who may face situations involving opioid overdose.

Contention

While the resolution itself supports vital public health initiatives, there are underlying challenges related to accessibility and stigma surrounding substance use disorders. Critics may argue about the need for a comprehensive approach to managing the opioid crisis, beyond merely raising awareness, to include sufficient funding, distribution challenges, and broader treatment options for addiction. Some stakeholders may point out that relying on naloxone does not substitute for addressing the root causes of addiction, emphasizing a more holistic approach to substance use and recovery.