HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 158

Rep. Lightner offered the following resolution:

A resolution to declare August 31, 2025, as Overdose Awareness Day in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, Drug overdose is the leading cause of injury-related deaths in the United States; and

Whereas, The last couple of decades, drug overdose deaths have significantly increased in the state of Michigan, the majority of which are a result of prescription opioids, illicit fentanyl (synthetic opioid), and heroin; and

Whereas, In 2023, the state of Michigan recorded that 2,826 people died from an overdose; and

Whereas, The families and friends of overdose victims suffer unspeakable grief and heartache from the loss of their loved ones; and

Whereas, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that substance use and substance use disorders are considered prominent public health issues; and

Whereas, Substance use disorder is a chronic disease that over 48.5 million Americans 12 and older have had in the last year; and

Whereas, The ongoing stigmatization of substance abuse disorder results in many Americans not seeking the mental health treatment and medical care they need to recover from their addiction, resulting in increased overdose deaths; and

Whereas, Substance use disorder also has tremendous social and economic consequences in America, including increased costs to our health care and criminal justice systems, losses in job productivity, threats to public safety, and the erosion of families; and

Whereas, There are countless organizations and facilities that put their efforts towards fighting against this epidemic, and we are grateful for the ways that they support those in their community to fight this disorder; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare August 31, 2025, as Overdose Awareness Day in the state of Michigan.