HomeMy WebLinkAboutInternational Overdose Awareness Day 2023
PROCLAMATION
INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY
AUGUST 31, 2023
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
WEREAS: We resolve to play our part in reducing the toll of overdose in our community, which claimed the lives
of nearly 2,500 Washington State residents in the year 2022 with countless more affected forever; and
WHEREAS: We recognize from July 2022 through June 2023 Kittitas County EMS have responded to over 150
Substance Use related calls; and
WHEREAS: We recognize that from July 2022 through June 2023 Kittitas County has lost 7 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 continues 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: The Kittitas County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim
August 31st, 2023, as International Overdose Awareness Day which will be honored with an event on the day at
Mountain View Park from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Adopted this 15th day of August 2023.
KITTITAS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Cory Wright, Chairman
ATTEST:
Brett Wachsmith, Vice-Chairman
Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board Laura Osiadacz, Commissioner