Legislation to declare 2016 The Year to Combat the Heroine Abuse Epidemic in Philadelphia.
Declaring 2016 as the “Year to Combat The Heroin Abuse Epidemic” in Philadelphia to acknowledge the serious effects heroin abuse is having in our communities and recognize the epidemic as an urgent local health priority.
Sponsors: Councilmember Oh, Councilmember Bass, Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez, Councilmember Goode, Councilmember Greenlee, Councilmember Blackwell, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember O’Neill, Councilmember Tasco, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Reynolds Brown, Councilmember O’Brien, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Henon
RESOLUTION 150716
Declaring 2016 as the “Year to Combat The Heroin Abuse Epidemic” in Philadelphia to
acknowledge the serious effects heroin abuse is having in our communities and recognize
the epidemic as an urgent local health priority.
WHEREAS, Heroin is an opioid drug that is synthesized from morphine, and is a highly
addictive drug; and
WHEREAS, Heroin abuse is associated with serious health conditions, such as hepatitis,
HIV, and fatal overdose. Chronic abusers of heroin may develop collapsed veins,
infections of the heart lining and valves, gastrointestinal cramping, and liver or kidney
diseases; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the effects of the drug itself, street heroin often contains toxic
contaminants or additives that can clog blood vessels which may cause permanent
damage to vital organs, such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, or brain; and
WHEREAS, Heroin overdoses frequently involve a suppression of breathing, which
limits the oxygen that reaches the brain. This can lead to psychological and neurological
damage; and
WHEREAS, The death rate from heroin overdoses in the United States has nearly tripled
from 2010 to 2013; and
WHEREAS, Heroin is a primary drug threat in the Philadelphia area. According to the
City’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, almost 35%
of the people who died from drugs in Philadelphia had heroin in their system; and
WHEREAS, Heroin abused in Philadelphia average 77% pure (a more potent form of the
drug), which is the highest in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Heroin abuse affects youth, adults, parents, mentors and all community
members. All members of the community can play a part in helping the next generation
make choices that support better physical, mental, behavioral and emotional health; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, The year 2016
is hereby declared the “Year to Combat The Heroin Abuse Epidemic” in Philadelphia to
acknowledge the serious effects heroin abuse is having in our communities and recognize
the epidemic as an urgent local health priority.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of the resolution be presented to
Commissioner Arthur C. Evans of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual
disAbility Services, further evidencing the sincere support and admiration of this
legislative body.