[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 103 (Tuesday, June 13, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S2075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SENATE RESOLUTION 250--DESIGNATING JUNE 6, 2023, AS NATIONAL 
                         NALOXONE AWARENESS DAY

       Mr. SCOTT of Florida (for himself, Mr. Markey, Mr. Rubio, 
     Mr. Wyden, Mr. Tillis, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Lankford, Mr. Van 
     Hollen, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Blumenthal, and Mr. 
     Warnock) submitted the following resolution; which was 
     considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 250

       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 Senate--
       (1) designates June 6, 2023, 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 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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