HomeMy WebLinkAboutInternational Overdose Awareness Day 2022
PROCLAMATION
INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY
WHEREAS: Kittitas County does affirm and acknowledge the harm and hardship caused by drug overdose; and
WHEREAS: We recognize the purpose of International Overdose Awareness Day as remembering loved ones lost
to overdose and ending the stigma of drug-related deaths; and
WHEREAS: We resolve to play our part in reducing the toll of overdose in our community, which claimed the
lives of more than 2,000 Washington State residents in the year 2021 with countless more affected forever; and
WHEREAS: We recognize from September 2021 to June 2022 Kittitas County EMS have responded to 22 non-
fatal overdoses from substance use and 1 fatality due to substance use; and
WHEREAS: We recognize that from January 1, 2021 to August 1, 2022 in Kittitas County has lost 10 individuals
to overdose; and
WHEREAS: We affirm that the people affected by overdose are our sons and daughters, our mothers and fathers,
our brothers and sisters and deserving of our love, compassion and support; and
WHEREAS: More people die from overdoses than from gun violence and vehicle accidents combined; and
WHEREAS: Death from overdose is preventable; and
WHEREAS: There continue to be deaths from stimulant use; and
WHEREAS: Overdoses continue to increase both medical and other economic costs greatly impacting our society;
and
WHEREAS: Substance Use Disorder is a treatable disease and the stigma and shame often are a barrier to seeking
help; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: Kittitas County does hereby proclaim August 31st, 2022, as
International Overdose Awareness Day which will be honored with an event on August 30, 2022, at the Ellensburg
United Methodist Church from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm.
KITTITAS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Laura Osiadacz, Chairman
ATTEST:
Cory Wright, Vice-Chairman
Mandy Buchholz, Deputy Clerk Brett Wachsmith, Commissioner