HR0710 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0710 LRB099 13811 GRL 37788 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Drug overdose is an epidemic affecting thousands of persons and families in the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, More than 1 out of every 10,000 people in Illinois died last year due to drug overdoses; and

WHEREAS, According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2013, there were 43,982 drug overdoses, which amounts to 120 deaths per day; and

WHEREAS, In the United States, drug overdose has become the leading cause of injury death, now surpassing motor vehicle accident deaths; and

WHEREAS, During a study in 2011, the Drug Abuse Warning Network found that drug misuse and abuse caused about 2.5 million emergency department visits; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois has the 12th lowest drug overdose mortality rate in the United States; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois is committed to the recognition, care, and treatment of those with substance abuse problems; and

WHEREAS, International Drug Awareness Day is August 31; the day is aimed to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the steady increase of drug-related deaths; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois encourages efforts to promote understanding and awareness of drug overdoses and other substance abuse problems; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate all Illinoisans who are participating in International Drug Awareness Day recognition and advocacy events in August and throughout the year; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the organizers of the 1st Annual Drug Overdose Awareness Walk in Canton.