[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 476 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>






118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 476

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


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              June 6, 2023

Mr. Trone (for himself, Ms. Kuster, Mrs. McClain, and Mr. Fitzpatrick) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
                         on Energy and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
   Supporting the designation of June 6, 2023, 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, as of December 2022, opioid overdoses during the previous 12 months 
        claimed a reported 79,770 lives in the United States;
Whereas fatal overdoses are often witnessed by a bystander;
Whereas, in 2022 alone, the Drug Enforcement Administration seized more than 
        379,000,000 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 the leading cause of death for 
        individuals in the United States between 18 and 49 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--

    (1) the benefits of naloxone, including the potential naloxone has to 
reduce opioid-related fatalities; and

    (2) how to 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 substance use disorder;
Whereas the Food and Drug Administration took action to authorize the over-the-
        counter sale of 4 milligram doses of naloxone; 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
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of National Naloxone Awareness 
        Day;
            (2) recognizes the life-saving benefits of naloxone in 
        reversing opioid overdoses and preventing unnecessary deaths;
            (3) 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;
            (4) recognizes that National Naloxone Awareness Day serves 
        as an opportunity to educate members of the public about the 
        importance of recognizing the signs of opioid overdose and 
        equipping themselves with naloxone to save lives;
            (5) encourages Federal, State, and local governments, as 
        well as private and nonprofit organizations, to collaborate and 
        allocate resources toward increasing naloxone access, 
        education, and distribution efforts; and
            (6) calls upon Federal agencies, including the Substance 
        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 
        other Federal agencies engaged in the National Drug Control 
        Strategy of the President to continue supporting public 
        awareness, harm reduction, and overdose and poisoning 
        prevention.
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