To: Dale K. Weighill, Governmental Operations Committee Chairperson
From: Marlene Collick, Deputy Director of Community Corrections
title
RE: Approval of a resolution recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day in Genesee County
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval request for Genesee County to become part of the global movement by participating in International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st.
BACKGROUND:
Overdose continues to be a public health crisis across the United States, taking the lives of over 100,000 individuals annually, with Genesee County tragically impacted by this ongoing epidemic. International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) brings a global community together to act on overdose.
DISCUSSION:
Recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day allows us to remember those we have lost to an overdose, acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind, and renew our commitment to end overdose and related harms.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
NONE
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
NONE
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
NONE
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
NONE
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
Acknowledging Overdose Awareness Day raises awareness of overdose, which is one of the world’s worst public health crises and stimulates action and discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
WHEREAS, overdose continues to be a public health crisis across the United States, taking the lives of over 100,000 individuals annually, with Genesee County tragically impacted by this ongoing epidemic; and
WHEREAS, the day of August 31st is recognized globally as International Overdose Awareness Day, a time to honor lives lost to overdose, reduce the stigma of substance use disorder, and promote evidence-based strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery; and
WHEREAS, the Genesee County Board of Commissioners acknowledges the urgent need for continued education, compassion, and support for individuals and families affected by substance use and overdose; and
WHEREAS, recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day provides an opportunity to remember those we have lost, raise awareness of life-saving resources such as naloxone (Narcan), and affirm the county’s commitment to harm reduction, access to treatment, and recovery-oriented care; and
WHEREAS, Genesee County is home to many advocates, service providers, recovery organizations, and impacted families who work tirelessly to save lives, reduce harm, and build a healthier, more supportive community for all; and
WHEREAS, each year on August 31st, landmarks across the globe light up purple in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day - a powerful, visible tribute to those we’ve lost, a show of solidarity with the bereaved, and a public call to action against the overdose crisis; and
WHEREAS, Genesee County joins this global movement by committing to the “Light Up a Landmark” initiative, illuminating local landmarks in purple on August 31st to honor lives lost, support those in recovery, and raise awareness of the urgent need to save lives and address the overdose epidemic with compassion and urgency.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Board of Commissioners does hereby declare the day of August 31st as Overdose Awareness Day in Genesee County beginning August 31, 2025.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board encourages all residents, organizations, and government agencies to observe this day with appropriate activities, education, remembrance, and advocacy efforts to reduce overdose deaths and support the health and dignity of all community members.