SENATE RESOLUTION 68

(By Senators Takubo, Caputo, and Hamilton)

[Introduced March 6, 2024]

Designating March 7, 2024, as Recovery Community Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, More than 100,000 Americans, including 1,501 West Virginians, died from a drug-related overdose from March 2021 to March 2022; and

Whereas, West Virginia has the highest number of opioid-related deaths per capita in the United States, that is 52.8 out of every 100,000; and

Whereas, Nationally, 40,000 people, including 4,000 youth, will seek treatment for their illicit drug abuse, but will fail to receive treatment in any given year.  Unfortunately, those who do find treatment will relapse within 30 days; and

Whereas, One in 13 individuals, 12 or older, and one in seven young adults aged 18 to 25, needed some form of intervention for substance use annually from 2015 through 2018; and

Whereas, Statistically, at least one student in every middle school and high school classroom in 2015 through 2018 needed treatment for substance use; and

Whereas, More than one in six high school students report drinking alcohol for the first time prior to turning 13; and

Whereas, In 2018, Congress enacted Public Law 115-271, the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act, known as the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act to address the nationwide opioid crisis; and

Whereas, A “recovery coach” is defined in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act as an individual with knowledge of, or experience with, recovery from a substance use disorder who has completed training from, and is in good standing with, a recovery service organization capable of conducting such training and making such a determination; and

Whereas, recovery coaches assist individuals in recovery by fostering social interactions, sharing experiences, promoting wellness and improved quality of life, improving coping skills, and supporting acceptance of illnesses or life situations; and

Whereas, Youth life/recovery coaches promote prevention and recovery by removing barriers and obstacles to social, emotional, and growth mindset learning, and serving as personal guides and mentors for young people who are seeking help with life transitions on their journey to adulthood; and

Whereas, By working with recovery coaches, peers, and others in the community, individuals in recovery are able to establish a connection with society, gain and provide hope for others, counter the associated stigmas, and share the perspectives and truths gained during the journey; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates March 7, 2024, as Recovery Community Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representatives of Recovery Community Day.