[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 726 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

<DOC>






118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 726

     Designating June 6, 2024, as National Naloxone Awareness Day.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   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. Lujan, 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--

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

    (2) 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
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates June 6, 2024, as 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 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 towards increasing naloxone access, 
        education, and distribution efforts; and
            (6) 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.
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