[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 96 (Wednesday, June 5, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3993-S3994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 726--DESIGNATING JUNE 6, 2024, AS NATIONAL NALOXONE 
                             AWARENESS DAY

  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:

                              S. Res. 726

       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;

[[Page S3994]]

       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.

                          ____________________