HR0665LRB103 39955 LAW 71084 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
3reported 3,261 opioid-related overdose fatalities in 2022,
4representing an estimated 272 lives lost every month as the
5State's overdose crisis persists; and
 
6    WHEREAS, The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office
7confirmed that 2,000 opioid-related deaths occurred in Cook
8County during 2022, with Black residents comprising 56% of
9deaths despite only representing 23% of the county's
10population; and
 
11    WHEREAS, The Opioid Data Dashboard provided by IDPH
12vividly demonstrates the extensive reach of opioid-related
13overdose across the State; outside of Cook County, the
14counties that experience the brunt of fatalities include Will
15County, Winnebago County, DuPage County, Lake County, Kane
16County, Madison County, St. Clair County, Sangamon County,
17McHenry County, and Champaign County; and
 
18    WHEREAS, Harm reduction is defined as a set of practical
19strategies and philosophy aimed at reducing negative
20consequences associated with drug use; it is also a movement
21for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the
22rights of people who use drugs; and
 

 

 

HR0665- 2 -LRB103 39955 LAW 71084 r

1    WHEREAS, Harm reduction measures help to reduce HIV
2transmissions, among other benefits, including assisting in
3the prevention against the acquisition of other blood-borne
4viruses such as Hepatitis B and C, the prevention of fatal
5overdoses, the decrease in encounters with the criminal legal
6system, the reduction of social exclusion for people who use
7drugs, and the improvement in access to medical care, mental
8health support, housing, community support, food, and other
9basic needs; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Extensive research and reports continue to
11demonstrate that harm reduction strategies not only save lives
12by preventing overdose deaths but also limit State expenses in
13response to hospitalizations, emergency calls, and deaths,
14promote public safety by diverting hazardous waste from public
15spaces, and do not lead to an increase in crime rates; and
 
16    WHEREAS, Harm reduction operates on the understanding that
17recovery is a multifaceted journey and that harm reduction
18strategies complement traditional recovery approaches; and
 
19    WHEREAS, While people who use drugs continue to face
20social stigma, they still possess the right to receive access
21to housing, education, economic mobility, mental health care,
22and a range of services to support a better quality of life;

 

 

HR0665- 3 -LRB103 39955 LAW 71084 r

1and
 
2    WHEREAS, Harm reduction acknowledges the intersecting
3systems of oppression that marginalize people who use drugs
4and centers the need for racial, economic, and gender justice
5within policies and practices; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Across the State, harm reductionists tirelessly
7dedicate themselves towards mitigating the harms of substance
8use and providing critical support to individuals in need, and
9it is essential to recognize and appreciate the strain and
10labor undertaken by these individuals as they endure secondary
11trauma and navigate complex social, economic, and political
12landscapes; and
 
13    WHEREAS, Not a region in the State goes untouched by the
14impacts of overdose, and a shared collective interest in
15safety forms the solidarity necessary to take urgent action to
16prevent further loss of life and devastation within our
17communities; therefore, be it
 
18    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
19HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
20we declare April 14 through April 20, 2024 as Harm Reduction
21Solidarity Week in the State of Illinois in order to raise
22awareness about the principles and practices of harm

 

 

HR0665- 4 -LRB103 39955 LAW 71084 r

1reduction, emphasizing its vital role in public health and
2safety; and be it further
 
3    RESOLVED, That we encourage communities to engage in
4activities that promote education, dialogue, and support for
5harm reduction initiatives during Harm Reduction Solidarity
6Week; and be it further
 
7    RESOLVED, That we recognize the importance of promoting
8public health and safety through highlighting proactive
9measures like harm reduction coupled with recent legislative
10accomplishments, such as expanding comprehensive drug
11education in schools and providing wider access to harm
12reduction tools, including naloxone, testing strips, and safe
13supplies education and distribution; and be it further
 
14    RESOLVED, That we acknowledge the dedication and
15contributions of harm reductionists and express our gratitude
16for their tireless efforts to address substance use-related
17harm; and be it further
 
18    RESOLVED, That we reaffirm our commitment to supporting
19evidence-based harm reduction strategies and to leading with
20compassion and humanity in place of perpetuating stigma and
21criminalization in order to greatly reduce substance
22use-related harm in Illinois.