That the Somerville City Council hereby designates August 31, 2022, as Overdose Awareness Day in the City of Somerville.

WHEREAS: Substance use disorder is an epidemic that impacts and claims the lives of many Somervillians every year; and WHEREAS: Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August 31 of each year to raise awareness of drug overdoses, to reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and to acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or have a permanent injury as a result of a drug overdose; and WHEREAS: Recognizing Overdose Awareness Day in Somerville sends a strong message to former or current addictive substance users that they are valued and that overdose death is preventable; and WHEREAS: The City of Somerville currently is seeking to open the state’s first safe consumption site, or overdose prevention center; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council hereby designates August 31, 2022, as Overdose Awareness Day in the City of Somerville. The City Council respectfully requests that flags be flown at half-staff in Somerville to observe Overdose Awareness Day.