SENATE RESOLUTION 27

(By Senators Unger, Caputo, Lindsay, Hamilton, Rucker, Stollings, and Baldwin)

[Introduced March 23, 2021]

Designating March 23, 2021, as Recovery Community Day at the Capitol.

Whereas, As recently as 2018, there were more than 700 overdose deaths in West Virginia and over 46,000 overdose deaths nationally involving the use of at least one opioid; and

Whereas, The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and disruption to daily life has affected those with substance abuse substantially more, leading to an increase in opioid overdose in 37 of the 38 jurisdictions which provide data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and

Whereas, West Virginia has the highest number of opioid-related deaths per capita in the United States; and

Whereas, As many as 40,000 people nationally, including 4,000 youth, seek treatment for illegal drug use and fail to receive it in any given year; and

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

Whereas, Statistically, at least one student in every middle school and high school classroom in 2015-2018 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 services 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 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 and 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 23, 2021, as Recovery Community Day at the Capitol; 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.