Senate Resolution No. 1764

BY: Senator PARKER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
September 18, 2017, as Prescription Opioid and
Heroin Epidemic Awareness Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days set aside to increase awareness of serious issues which
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is proud to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 18, 2017, as Prescription
Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Day in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of National Prescription Opioid and
Heroin Epidemic Awareness Day; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body would like to take this moment to
remember all those who lost the battle to opioids, and those who are
courageously battling this disorder in recovery; and

WHEREAS, Every day men, women and children across New York State
suffer from the pain and trauma of prescription opioid and heroin
addiction from misuse of prescription opioid medications to the
increasing amount of drug overdoses relating to heroin, opioid, and
fentanyl substances; and

WHEREAS, The prescription opioid and heroin epidemic cannot be
ignored as the amount of fatal overdoses in the State of New York has
reached a record high of over 1,000 individuals in 2016, which is a 23
percent increase in overdoses over the past two years; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious epidemic, and more must be done to increase activity and
knowledge at the local, state, and national levels to educate, support
and protect those afflicted as well as their families and caregivers;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 18, 2017, as
Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Day in the State of
New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Prescription
Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Day; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.