AN ACT designating the thirty‑first day of august of each year as overdose awareness day.

Whereas, thousands of people from all socioeconomic backgrounds, races, and ages die each year from drug overdose; and

Whereas, in 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that there were 67,367 drug overdose deaths in the United States, including 2,259 in North Carolina. Opioid use accounted for about 70% of the total deaths, most of which could have been prevented; and

Whereas, International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August 31st of each year to raise awareness of drug overdose, reduce the stigma of drug‑related deaths, and spread the message that overdose death is preventable; and

Whereas, the event also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or suffered a permanent injury because of drug overdose; and

Whereas, to better educate the State's citizens about drug addiction and overdose, Overdose Awareness Day should be observed in North Carolina on August 31st of each year to coincide with the international event; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Chapter 103 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

§ 103‑16.  Overdose Awareness Day.

The thirty‑first day of August of each year is designated as Overdose Awareness Day in North Carolina.

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.