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A resolution in support of life-saving responses to the recent escalating overdoses largely caused by the widespread availability of synthetic, illicit drugs.
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WHEREAS, saving lives for those actively living with substance use disorder is a high priority. This requires that Public Health and Public Safety agencies must coordinate efforts in meaningful and immediate ways that strengthen crisis response and rapid referral for individuals exposed to synthetic drugs, such as fentanyl, a lethal and illicit opioid that is now found in all illicit drugs in Davidson County; and
WHEREAS, substance use disorders occur when the recurrent use of alcohol and/or prescription or illicit drugs causes clinically significant impairment, including impairment of judgement, health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home; and,
WHEREAS, substance use disorder and mental health are not separate issues: in fact, addiction is a mental health diagnosis and must be treated as such. Drug use and/or addiction can occur at the same time an individual is attempting to manage a chronic or episodic mental health condition. Addiction as a mental health diagnosis and condition is often misunderstood and stigmatized, increasing the risk of relapse or overdose; and,
WHEREAS, Davidson County had over 700 fatal overdoses in 2021. Fentanyl was involved in nearly 75% of those fatalities; and
WHEREAS, law enforcement continues to see high levels of trafficking of fentanyl, synthetic opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine, and synthetic stimulants which are expected to drive both fatal and non-fatal overdoses over the next few years; and,
WHEREAS, law enforcement has documented that these drugs can be mistaken for legitimate prescription medications; and
WHEREAS, the wide-spread presence of synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, defines a much more dangerous environment for Davidson County residents and demonstrates that the issue is no longer ...
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