DE SCR33

Designates August 31st as Overdose Awareness Day in Delaware to honor those who have died from fatal drug overdoses.

Notes that drug overdose deaths rose from 16,849 in 1999 to 38,329 in 2010, with opioid analgesics involved in nearly 60 percent of pharmaceutical overdose deaths.

Acknowledges Delaware's prevention efforts including the 2010 Prescription Monitoring Program, tamper-resistant prescription pad requirements, and 12 statewide drug disposal events that collected over 22,200 pounds of prescription medicine since 2008.

Recognizes that International Overdose Awareness Day reinforces the message that overdose deaths should not carry shame or disgrace and that drug misuse is a health and social issue affecting all communities.

Aims to inform the public about fatal and non-fatal overdoses and stimulate discussion about prevention and drug policy.