House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

Posted:	October 13, 2023 11:27 AM
From:	Representative Arvind Venkat
To:	All House members
Subject:	Creating Opioid Overdose Awareness Materials

Since 1999, over one million people have died from a drug overdose in the United States. Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are driving the latest wave of deaths. Fortunately, medications such as naloxone can quickly reverse opioid overdoses. Being knowledgeable about the signs of an opioid overdose and where to find naloxone can help save lives. That is why states, such as Florida (see attached), have developed and displayed posters containing such information in public places, ensuring that this life-saving information is made readily available. I plan on introducing legislation that would require the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, to develop a poster that explains the signs of an opioid-related overdose, what to do in the event of an opioid-related overdose, where to find an opioid antagonist such as naloxone, and where to find additional resources and information. This poster would be made available online for downloading for private use and displayed in public places to increase awareness of how to recognize and respond to opioid-related overdoses. Opioid addiction remains a devastating public health crisis. As a medical professional, I recognize the role of empowering and educating the public in saving lives. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to help create safer communities and equip our neighbors with the tools needed to help address this crisis.
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Introduced as HB1783