III
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. RES. 726
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 5, 2024
Mr. Scott of Florida (for himself, Mr. Markey, Mrs. Capito, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Braun, Mr. Rubio, Mr. King, Mr. Manchin, Mr. Heinrich, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Luján, Mr. Brown, Mr. Van Hollen, and Ms. Rosen) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
RESOLUTION
Designating June 6, 2024, as National Naloxone Awareness Day.
Whereas the opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities across the United States, leading to a significant loss of life and widespread societal impact;
Whereas opioid overdoses during the 12 months preceding December of 2023 claimed a reported 81,083 lives in the United States;
Whereas fatal overdoses are often witnessed by a bystander;
Whereas, in 2023 alone, the Drug Enforcement Administration seized more than 381,000,000 doses of potentially deadly fentanyl, enough to kill every individual in the United States;
Whereas, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl-related poisonings are currently a leading cause of death for individuals in the United States between 18 and 45 years of age;
Whereas naloxone is a safe and effective medication that can reverse opioid overdoses and save lives when administered promptly by rapidly reversing the effects of opioids;
Whereas naloxone plays a vital role in preventing long-term brain damage and reducing the risk of fatality associated with opioid overdoses;
Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared naloxone to be a key tool in preventing opioid overdose deaths;
Whereas it is imperative to educate individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and first responders about—
the benefits of naloxone, including the potential naloxone has to reduce opioid-related fatalities; and
how to safely administer naloxone;
Whereas it is imperative to identify current or potential barriers, including cost, for individuals, organizations, and Federal, State, and local governments to obtain and distribute naloxone;
Whereas increasing access to naloxone can ensure that individuals struggling with opioid use disorder have a chance at recovery and a future free from the grip of opioid use disorder;
Whereas the Food and Drug Administration acted to authorize the over-the-counter sale of 4 milligram and 3 milligram doses of naloxone in 2023; and
Whereas recognizing National Naloxone Awareness Day will contribute to the ongoing efforts to educate the public, reduce stigma associated with substance use disorder, and promote access to lifesaving naloxone: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate—
designates June 6, 2024, as National Naloxone Awareness Day;
recognizes the life-saving benefits of naloxone in reversing opioid overdoses and preventing unnecessary deaths;
acknowledges that increased access to naloxone empowers individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and first responders to intervene in emergency situations and provide immediate assistance to those experiencing an opioid overdose;
recognizes that National Naloxone Awareness Day serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the importance of recognizing the signs of opioid overdose and equipping themselves with naloxone to save lives;
encourages Federal, State, and local governments, as well as private and nonprofit organizations, to collaborate and allocate resources towards increasing naloxone access, education, and distribution efforts; and
calls upon Federal agencies, including the Substances Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and all others engaged in the National Drug Control Strategy to continue supporting public awareness of naloxone, harm reduction, and overdose and poisoning prevention.