Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, each year, more Americans die from drug overdoses than in traffic accidents, and more than three out of five of these deaths involved an opioid. Since 1999, the number of overdose deaths involving opioids, including prescription opioid pain relievers, heroin, and fentanyl, has nearly quadrupled. Many people who die from an overdose struggle with an opioid use disorder or other substance use disorder, and unfortunately misconceptions surrounding these disorders have contributed to harmful stigmas that prevent individuals from seeking evidence-based treatment. During Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week, we pause to remember all those we have lost to opioid use disorder, we stand with the courageous individuals in recovery, and we recognize the importance of raising awareness of this epidemic; and

WHEREAS, opioid use disorder, or addiction to prescription opioids or heroin, is a disease that touches too many of our communities — big and small, urban and rural — and devastates families, all while straining the capacity of law enforcement and the health care system. States and localities across our country, in collaboration with Federal and national partners, are working together to address this issue through innovative partnerships between public safety and public health professionals. The Government is bolstering efforts to expand treatment and opioid abuse prevention activities, and we are working alongside law enforcement to help get more people into treatment instead of jail; and

WHEREAS, too often, we expect people struggling with substance use disorders to self-diagnose and seek treatment. And although we have made great strides in helping more Alabamians access care, far too many still lack appropriate, evidence-based treatment. This week, we reaffirm our commitment to raising awareness about this disease and supporting prevention and treatment programs. Let us ensure everyone with an opioid use disorder can embark on the road to recovery, and together, let us begin to turn the tide of this epidemic:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the week of September 18th, through September 24th, 2016, as

Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week

in the State of Alabama. I call upon all Alabamians to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that raise awareness about the prescription opioid and heroin epidemic.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 16th day of September 2016.

Robert Bentley

Governor

The signed proclamation can be found here.