WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), co-chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers on a resolution recognizing June 6th as Naloxone Awareness Day. The resolution promotes awareness of the life-saving drug, Naloxone, which reverses opioid overdoses and prevents unnecessary deaths. It also aims to educate members of the public about the importance of recognizing the signs of overdose, and equipping themselves with the life-saving antidote. Fitzpatrick was joined by the co-chairs of the task force, Congressman David Trone (MD-06), and Congresswomen Lisa McClain (MI-09) and Annie Kuster (NH-02). Senators Rick Scott (FL) and Ed Markey (MA) introduced a companion resolution in the Senate.
“Harm prevention tools, including Naloxone, are critical to reducing the number of overdose deaths in our communities," said Congressman Fitzpatrick. "I proudly join my colleagues in supporting this life-saving intervention treatment as part of our bipartisan task force’s commitment to combatting the mental health epidemic plaguing our nation.”
"As our communities continue to grapple with a devastating opioid epidemic, our nation’s leaders need to put our money where our mouth is on delivering much-needed resources to the frontlines," said Congressman Trone. "That means following the data: studies show that one in five fatal overdoses could be averted with naloxone if it's properly supplied. By raising awareness of this vital emergency treatment, we can and will save lives.”
“The opioid crisis continues to touch every corner of our country, and it doesn’t care about your politics, race, or age," said Congresswoman McClain. "While we have worked hard to combat the opioid epidemic, there is still more we can do. By increasing the awareness of naloxone, we can truly make a difference in this fight and save lives in the process.”
“Every life lost to overdose is a tragedy – we must utilize the resources we have to end the substance use crisis and prevent deaths," said Congresswoman Kuster. "That’s where harm reduction tools like naloxone are so crucial. Today, I am proud to join with my colleagues from across the aisle to emphasize our support for life-saving interventions and our commitment to ending the addiction and mental health epidemic.”
“Too many mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and friends have been lost to opioid poisoning in America. Naloxone saves lives and it is a critical tool in our fight to stop the loss caused by opioids in communities across our nation. I am proud to be joined by Senator Markey and a bipartisan group of our colleagues in the House to introduce a resolution designating June 6th as Naloxone Awareness Day to bring awareness to the issue and educate Americans about this life-saving drug," said Senator Scott. “I also want to highlight the Victoria’s Voice Foundation and the Siegel Family for the lifesaving work they do on advocacy and education about the dangers of opioids. This organization was started following a parent’s worst nightmare – the loss of a child – and they have made it their mission to ensure folks are educated and prepared to save lives.”
“In red states and in blue states, tens of thousands of lives are lost every year to the opioid epidemic across our country," said Senator Markey. "A single life lost is already one too many. Our federal government must empower communities on the frontlines of this crisis by expanding the availability of affordable overdose reversal medication like naloxone. I’m proud to be joining with my colleagues in a shared, bipartisan commitment to confront this crisis.”
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