Assembly Resolution No. 996

BY: M. of A. Lupardo

COMMEMORATING the 10th Anniversary of Truth Pharm

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those organizations within the State of New York whose
dedication, advocacy, and service have strengthened communities and
advanced the public good; and

WHEREAS, Truth Pharm is a nonprofit organization founded in October
2015 in Broome County, New York, in response to the devastating impact
of the opioid and overdose epidemic; and

WHEREAS, Truth Pharm was established by Alexis Pleus following the
tragic loss of her son to an overdose, transforming personal grief into
a sustained movement dedicated to saving lives and reforming public
policy; and

WHEREAS, What began as a grassroots effort to support individuals
and families affected by substance use in Broome County has grown into a
nationally recognized leader in harm reduction, advocacy, and education;
and

WHEREAS, Truth Pharm is widely known for its creation of the "Trail
of Truth," a moving memorial installation honoring the lives lost to the
overdose epidemic and raising awareness of the human toll of substance
use disorder; and

WHEREAS, Over the past decade, Truth Pharm has played a significant
role in reshaping public understanding of substance use disorder,
participating in advocacy and policy reform efforts at the county,
state, and national levels, and working to reduce stigma and promote
evidence-based solutions; and

WHEREAS, The organization provides vital, free services to the
community, including support groups, a drop-in center, educational
programming, naloxone training, and other harm reduction initiatives
designed to prevent overdose fatalities and connect individuals to care;
and

WHEREAS, Guided by a vision of a world in which individuals who use
substances can live free from discrimination and those with substance
use disorder can readily obtain effective treatment, Truth Pharm
advances a mission to raise awareness, reduce stigma, educate the
public, and advocate for policy changes that reduce the harms caused by
substance use; and

WHEREAS, Distinct in its approach, Truth Pharm is not an anti-drug
organization but an anti-harm organization, recognizing that substance
use exists across communities and circumstances, and focusing its
efforts on reducing harm, addressing systemic inequalities, reforming
aspects of the justice system, and promoting dignity and evidence-based
responses; and

WHEREAS, Through sustained advocacy, Truth Pharm supports medical
treatment for incarcerated individuals, promotes research to improve
treatment outcomes, advances non-discrimination policies, calls for
increased funding and the implementation of effective programs, and
works toward ending policies that have exacerbated the harms of the drug
war; and

WHEREAS, The organization remains committed to educating the public,
medical professionals, and criminal justice professionals on the science
of substance use disorders and addiction, the rights of those who use
drugs, and the causes, effects, and evidence-based harm reduction
strategies that save lives; and

WHEREAS, The 10th Anniversary of Truth Pharm provides an opportunity
to reflect upon a decade of tireless advocacy, community service, and
transformative leadership, as well as to recognize the organization's
enduring hope that one day such services will no longer be necessary
because overdose fatalities have been significantly reduced and the
epidemic brought to an end; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Truth Pharm, honoring its steadfast
commitment to harm reduction, public education, policy reform, and
compassionate service to the people of the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Truth Pharm.