HomeMy WebLinkAboutOverdose Awareness Day PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, no community in Washington State is immune to accidental or
intentional overdose, and drug overdose deaths remain high across the state, impacting
urban, suburban, and rural communities, and disproportionately affecting American
Indian/Alaskan Native communities and marginalized populations; and
WHEREAS, in the last year nearly 3,381 people have died due to overdoses I suspected
overdoses across Washington State including 4 reported in Jefferson County; and
WHEREAS, Washington State Health Care Authority. Department of I Iealth, and
University of Washington-Alcohol Drug Abuse Institute, local health jurisdictions,
community organizations, syringe-service programs. harm reduction services and
pharmacies collectively distributed overdose reversal medication. Naloxone, to tens of
thousands of individuals; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson County acknowledges that there is a need to treat drug-related
harm as a public health issue and invest in evidence-based practices that save lives and build
communities: and
WHEREAS, Jefferson County remains committed to raising awareness around drug
overdose morbidity and mortality by reducing stigma through countywide initiatives related
to education. prevention, treatment, and recovery support for substance use disorder; and
WHEREAS, International Overdose Awareness Day is an opportunity for all people
in Jefferson County to grieve the loss of those who have died due to overdose, celebrate life.
and commit to supporting the safety, health and wellbeing of people who abuse substances:
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Jefferson County Board of
County Commissioners, hereby proclaim August 31, 2024. as
Overdose Awareness Day
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, that the Board of Commissioners encourage
all residents and visitors alike whose life has been impacted by substance use disorder
to call the Washington Recovery Helpline at 1-866-789-1511, available 24-hours a
day, 7 days a week.
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, that the courthouse flag be lowered to half-
staff in observance of Overdose Awareness Day on Friday. August 30. 2024.
PROCLAIMED t44„LQ`;+day� of August. 2024.
.�`'' ..'''s'N ,,, JEFFERSON COUNTY
..).o�,Miss/oyai' BO R OF COMMISSIONERS
N S.� 73�'' a Ka a I) n. Chair
ATTEST Zy.,...,...,� •Goa...` ro crton, Member
�' ....HINo,
/4 b '� l �r M •< —
CarolynOallaway, Clerk oft Board dise hour, Member
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Baird of( ounty Commissioners
FROM: Adiel McKnight, Deputy Clerk of the Board
DATE: :August 19, 2024
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION and POTENTIAL ACTION re: PROCLAMATION re: Overdose
Awareness Day and Lowering the Flag for Friday, August 30, 2024
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
International Overdose Awareness Day (LOAD) is the world's largest annual campaign to end overdoses and
to remember, without stigma, those who have died from overdoses. The campaign also is committed to
supporting the safety, health and wellbeing of people who battle with addiction of controlled substances.
In honor of those passed. Public I Iealth has requested to lower the flag to half-staff
ANALYSIS:
Jefferson County acknowledges the grief of the families and friends affected by substance abuse. In honor of
those who have lost their lives to substance abuse, and the families and friends who have been affected by
their loss, staff requests that the Courthouse flag fly at half-staff on Friday, August 30, 2024.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve a Proclamation re: Proclaiming August 31, 2024 as Overdose Awareness Day, and taking action to
lower the flag to half-staff on Friday, August 30, 2024.
REVIEWED BY:
Mark McCauley ounty Administrator Date