[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 184 (Thursday, September 22, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 65173-65174]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-22960]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 65173]]


                Proclamation 9499 of September 16, 2016

                
Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness 
                Week, 2016

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Each year, more Americans die from drug overdoses than 
                in traffic accidents, and more than three out of five 
                of these deaths involve an opioid. Since 1999, the 
                number of overdose deaths involving opioids, including 
                prescription opioid pain relievers, heroin, and 
                fentanyl, has nearly quadrupled. Many people who die 
                from an overdose struggle with an opioid use disorder 
                or other substance use disorder, and unfortunately 
                misconceptions surrounding these disorders have 
                contributed to harmful stigmas that prevent individuals 
                from seeking evidence-based treatment. During 
                Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week, 
                we pause to remember all those we have lost to opioid 
                use disorder, we stand with the courageous individuals 
                in recovery, and we recognize the importance of raising 
                awareness of this epidemic.

                Opioid use disorder, or addiction to prescription 
                opioids or heroin, is a disease that touches too many 
                of our communities--big and small, urban and rural--and 
                devastates families, all while straining the capacity 
                of law enforcement and the health care system. States 
                and localities across our country, in collaboration 
                with Federal and national partners, are working 
                together to address this issue through innovative 
                partnerships between public safety and public health 
                professionals. The Federal Government is bolstering 
                efforts to expand treatment and opioid abuse prevention 
                activities, and we are working alongside law 
                enforcement to help get more people into treatment 
                instead of jail.

                My Administration is steadfast in its commitment to 
                reduce overdose deaths and get more Americans the help 
                they need. That is why I continue to call on the 
                Congress to provide $1.1 billion to expand access to 
                treatment services for opioid use disorder. These new 
                investments would build on the steps we have already 
                taken to expand overdose prevention strategies, and 
                increase access to naloxone--the overdose reversal drug 
                that first responders and community members are using 
                to save lives. We are also working to improve opioid 
                prescribing practices and support targeted enforcement 
                activities. Although Federal agencies will continue 
                using all available tools to address opioid use 
                disorder and overdose, the Congress must act quickly to 
                help more individuals get the treatment they need--
                because the longer we go without congressional action 
                on this funding, the more opportunities we miss to save 
                lives.

                Too often, we expect people struggling with substance 
                use disorders to self-diagnose and seek treatment. And 
                although we have made great strides in helping more 
                Americans access care, far too many still lack 
                appropriate, evidence-based treatment. This week, we 
                reaffirm our commitment to raising awareness about this 
                disease and supporting prevention and treatment 
                programs. Let us ensure everyone with an opioid use 
                disorder can embark on the road to recovery, and 
                together, let us begin to turn the tide of this 
                epidemic.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution

[[Page 65174]]

                and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim 
                September 18 through September 24, 2016, as 
                Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week. 
                I call upon all Americans to observe this week with 
                appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that 
                raise awareness about the prescription opioid and 
                heroin epidemic.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                sixteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and forty-first.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2016-22960
Filed 9-21-16; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F6-P