Title
To Designate August 31st, 2023 as International Overdose Awareness Day in the City of Columbus
Body
WHEREAS, International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized on August 31, 2023; and,
WHEREAS, International Overdose Awareness Day is to pause, honor and reflect on the lives of those who have died from an overdose; and,
WHEREAS, the drug overdose epidemic has plagued the state of Ohio and the City of Columbus for the past 10 years; and,
WHEREAS, The mission of the Columbus and Franklin County Addiction Plan, led by the Columbus Public Health and the partners who represent people with lived experience, government, prevention, treatment and recovery support agencies, is to decrease overdose deaths, decrease overdose incidents and decrease infectious disease; and,
WHEREAS, The Columbus and Franklin County Addiction Plan partners will hold prevention, treatment linkage and recovery support events throughout the month of August to recognize this date; and,
WHEREAS, On August 31st, 2023, from 12p - 6pm, the Columbus and Franklin County Addiction Plan will hold a day of remembrance and memorial at St. Stephen’s Community Center with the event, “Time to Remember. Time to Act. Time to Step on Overdose & Addiction;” and,
WHEREAS, this event will provide free access to Fentanyl test strips, Naloxone, substance abuse treatment information and support to connect individuals to treatment, vaccines and other resources; and,
WHEREAS, the City extends our sorrow to the friends and family who have had their lives forever changed by these untimely deaths and extend to them strength and empathy, and commits itself toward ending the drug epidemic plaguing Central Ohio; now, therefore:
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council designates August 31st, 2023 as International Overdose Awareness Day in the City of Columbus and encourages Columbus residents to observe the month with appropriate awareness and educational activities.