HR0665 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0665 LRB103 39955 LAW 71084 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported 3,261 opioid-related overdose fatalities in 2022, representing an estimated 272 lives lost every month as the State's overdose crisis persists; and

WHEREAS, The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that 2,000 opioid-related deaths occurred in Cook County during 2022, with Black residents comprising 56% of deaths despite only representing 23% of the county's population; and

WHEREAS, The Opioid Data Dashboard provided by IDPH vividly demonstrates the extensive reach of opioid-related overdose across the State; outside of Cook County, the counties that experience the brunt of fatalities include Will County, Winnebago County, DuPage County, Lake County, Kane County, Madison County, St. Clair County, Sangamon County, McHenry County, and Champaign County; and

WHEREAS, Harm reduction is defined as a set of practical strategies and philosophy aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use; it is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs; and

WHEREAS, Harm reduction measures help to reduce HIV transmissions, among other benefits, including assisting in the prevention against the acquisition of other blood-borne viruses such as Hepatitis B and C, the prevention of fatal overdoses, the decrease in encounters with the criminal legal system, the reduction of social exclusion for people who use drugs, and the improvement in access to medical care, mental health support, housing, community support, food, and other basic needs; and

WHEREAS, Extensive research and reports continue to demonstrate that harm reduction strategies not only save lives by preventing overdose deaths but also limit State expenses in response to hospitalizations, emergency calls, and deaths, promote public safety by diverting hazardous waste from public spaces, and do not lead to an increase in crime rates; and

WHEREAS, Harm reduction operates on the understanding that recovery is a multifaceted journey and that harm reduction strategies complement traditional recovery approaches; and

WHEREAS, While people who use drugs continue to face social stigma, they still possess the right to receive access to housing, education, economic mobility, mental health care, and a range of services to support a better quality of life; and

WHEREAS, Harm reduction acknowledges the intersecting systems of oppression that marginalize people who use drugs and centers the need for racial, economic, and gender justice within policies and practices; and

WHEREAS, Across the State, harm reductionists tirelessly dedicate themselves towards mitigating the harms of substance use and providing critical support to individuals in need, and it is essential to recognize and appreciate the strain and labor undertaken by these individuals as they endure secondary trauma and navigate complex social, economic, and political landscapes; and

WHEREAS, Not a region in the State goes untouched by the impacts of overdose, and a shared collective interest in safety forms the solidarity necessary to take urgent action to prevent further loss of life and devastation within our communities; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare April 14 through April 20, 2024 as Harm Reduction Solidarity Week in the State of Illinois in order to raise awareness about the principles and practices of harm reduction, emphasizing its vital role in public health and safety; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage communities to engage in activities that promote education, dialogue, and support for harm reduction initiatives during Harm Reduction Solidarity Week; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize the importance of promoting public health and safety through highlighting proactive measures like harm reduction coupled with recent legislative accomplishments, such as expanding comprehensive drug education in schools and providing wider access to harm reduction tools, including naloxone, testing strips, and safe supplies education and distribution; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we acknowledge the dedication and contributions of harm reductionists and express our gratitude for their tireless efforts to address substance use-related harm; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we reaffirm our commitment to supporting evidence-based harm reduction strategies and to leading with compassion and humanity in place of perpetuating stigma and criminalization in order to greatly reduce substance use-related harm in Illinois.