Bill Text: VA HJR77 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Designating Monday, January 22, 2024 as Recovery Day in Virginia.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-02-27 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ77ER) [HJR77 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HJR77-Enrolled.html
Whereas, the residents of the Commonwealth persist in grappling with Substance Use Disorder, a struggle further intensified by the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a total of 2,490 deaths in the state in 2022—a twofold increase in the drug overdose mortality rate since 2018; and
Whereas, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration has reported that between 2015 and 2017, approximately 502,000 adults over 12 years old in Virginia were afflicted with Substance Use Disorder; and
Whereas, the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reveals that 5.8 million adults aged 18 or older contend with a co-occurring mental illness and an illicit drug or alcohol use disorder; and
Whereas, the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services recorded around 27,000 drug-related arrests in Virginia in 2020; and
Whereas, in 2022, there were 22,398 drug overdose emergency department visits among Virginians, marking a 5% increase from the preceding year, as reported by the Virginia Department of Health; and
Whereas, a 2020 study by the CDC and National Institute on Drug Abuse found that 3 out of 4 individuals experiencing addiction eventually achieve recovery; and
Whereas, Substance Use Disorder not only impacts the individual but also plays a significant role in the lives of friends, family, and the surrounding community; and
Whereas, the establishment of Virginia's "Recovery Day" aims to honor and celebrate those who have demonstrated resilience in their recovery journey, enduring physical, emotional, and economic hardships; and
Whereas, this day extends its support to those still on the path to recovery and to those dedicating their lives to ensuring that each individual has the opportunity to receive treatment and recovery services; and
Whereas, "Recovery Day" provides an additional opportunity to draw attention to the vital importance of recovery organizations and the interconnectedness of mental health, community, familial support, and Substance Use Disorder.
Therefore, the General Assembly of Virginia hereby declares Monday, January 22, 2024, to be officially recognized as Recovery Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
