IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION declaring August 31, 2023, as International Overdose Awareness Day and recognizing First Call for its efforts to address substance use disorders in our community.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 21385, August 28, 2023
INTRODUCED BY Manuel Abarca IV, County Legislator
Body
Whereas, substance use disorders affect all communities nationwide, and with commitment and support, those impacted can embark on a journey of improved health and overall wellness; and,
Whereas, the focus of September as National Recovery Month is to celebrate all people that make the journey of recovery possible by embracing the 2023 theme, “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community;” and,
Whereas, the focus of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st is to remember, without stigma, those who have died from overdose and acknowledge the grief of families and friends left behind, and to end overdose; and,
Whereas, the impact of substance use disorders is apparent in our local community, and an estimated 102,000 people in Jackson County are affected by these conditions; and,
Whereas, Recovery Month is an opportunity for widespread education and awareness, as individuals and as a community, to learn to recognize the signs of substance use and mental health disorders and encourage people in need of recovery services to seek help; and,
WHEREAS, First Call clinicians and prevention specialists partner with individuals, families, schools, treatment centers, coalitions, and courts to work holistically to build bridges and fill gaps for those affected by substance use disorder in Jackson County; and,
WHEREAS, First Call provides harm reduction resources and specialists to focus on the reduction of harms associated with substance use, in the shape of medical care, disease prevention, and education for those affected in Jackson County; and,
Whereas, First Call’s services, including their 24/7 crisis call line, reach over 20,000 people yearly, and they serve as the Prevention Resource Center for Cass, Jackson, Johnson, and Lafayette Counties in Missouri and Kansas; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri that the Legislature hereby proclaims August 31st as Overdose Awareness Day and September 2023 as National Recovery Month, in Jackson County and look to First Call to continue to its vital services to our community; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature requests the downtown Jackson County Courthouse be lit with the color purple, the defining color of the substance use and recovery movement, from September 18, 2023, through September 24, 2023.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 21385 of August 28, 2023, was duly passed on August 28, 2023 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _____8__________ Nays ______0________
Abstaining ___0______ Absent _____1_______
________________________ ____________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature