Read the full stored bill text
PRINTER'S NO. 1871
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 352
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY KANE, KEARNEY, PICOZZI, HAYWOOD, HUGHES, COSTA,
YAW, BROWN, CAPPELLETTI, VOGEL AND STREET, JULY 8, 2026
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, JULY 8, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing August 31, 2026, as "Overdose Awareness Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by
compulsive or difficult-to-control drug use despite harmful
consequences; and
WHEREAS, Drug addiction is seen by both the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization
as an epidemic that can all too easily lead to overdose and
death; and
WHEREAS, In 2025, 69,973 individuals died from drug overdoses
in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention; and
WHEREAS, In this Commonwealth alone, an estimated 2,760
people died from drug overdoses in 2025, according to the
Department of Health; and
WHEREAS, For every drug overdose that results in death there
are many more nonfatal overdoses, each taking an emotional and
economic toll on the individual, their family and the community
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
at large; and
WHEREAS, Drug addiction can fuel feelings of shame, guilt,
embarrassment, depression and hopelessness, causing individuals
to resist seeking treatment and support; and
WHEREAS, "Overdose Awareness Day" is a global event held on
August 31 of each year that aims to raise awareness of drug
overdoses, to reduce the stigma of a drug-related death and to
acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends remembering
those who have died or who have had a permanent injury as a
result of a drug overdose; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing "Overdose Awareness Day" in this
Commonwealth sends a strong message to former or current
substance users that they are valued and that overdose death is
preventable; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize August 31, 2026, as
"Overdose Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness of
overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the Governor be respectfully requested to
order flags to be flown at half-staff and to issue a
proclamation calling upon public officials and the residents of
this Commonwealth to observe "Overdose Awareness Day" with
appropriate activities and programs.
20260SR0352PN1871 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23