WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden has declared the week of August 25 through August 31, 2024, as Overdose Awareness Week, underscoring his administration’s ongoing efforts to address the opioid epidemic that has claimed thousands of lives across the United States.
In the last year, more than 103,000 people died of an overdose in the U.S., according to CDC data.
“Now for the first time in 5 years, the number of overdose deaths in the United States has started to decline. But even one death is one too many, and far too many Americans continue to lose loved ones to fentanyl.”
President Joe Biden
Biden’s proclamation serves as a call to action for the nation to continue combating the crisis through prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives.
In his proclamation, Biden acknowledged the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic on individuals, families, and communities. He highlighted the progress made in reducing the number of annual overdose deaths but emphasized the urgent need for continued efforts to disrupt the supply of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, while also supporting those suffering from substance use disorders.
“My Administration made beating the opioid epidemic a key priority in my Unity Agenda for the Nation,” Biden stated, urging bipartisan cooperation to stop fentanyl from infiltrating communities and to provide life-saving medication and care across the country.
The proclamation also highlighted several of the administration’s efforts to fight the stigmatization of substance use and accidental overdose, making naloxone available over-the-counter and increasing access to opioid overdose reversal medications in public spaces. Biden pointed to the success of federal law enforcement in seizing record amounts of illicit fentanyl at U.S. borders and prosecuting drug traffickers as part of a broader strategy to keep dangerous drugs out of communities.
In addition to domestic efforts, Biden emphasized international cooperation, including strengthened counternarcotics efforts with China and the formation of a Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats, which unites over 150 countries in the fight against drug trafficking.
“Now for the first time in 5 years, the number of overdose deaths in the United States has started to decline,” Biden noted, while also recognizing that the work is far from over. He called on citizens, government agencies, healthcare providers, and organizations to continue raising awareness and working together to prevent overdose deaths.
As Overdose Awareness Week unfolds, the President’s message is the fight against the opioid crisis requires relentless effort, unity, and compassion for those affected by this ongoing epidemic.
Emily’s Hope will participate in activities throughout Overdose Awareness Week, including in Washington D.C., and an International Overdose Awareness Day candlelight vigil in Sioux Falls on Saturday.
Last year, CEO and Founder Angela Kennecke participated in a family discussion with Second Gentlement Doug Emhoff and the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy.
