Res 0038-2024

Whereas, Drug abuse and overdose amongst New Yorkers is a pressing issue, especially among the City's youth, and despite entrenched anti-drug education and legislative efforts to combat substance abuse, many young individuals continue to experiment or are exposed to a variety of Schedule I, II, and III drugs leading to serious health risks and consequences; and Whereas, According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and high potential for abuse with examples including heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana; and Whereas, Schedule II drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence with examples including cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, fentanyl, Adderall, and Ritalin; and Whereas, Schedule III drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence with examples including ketamine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone; and Whereas, According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), incidents involving the possession and use of illegal drugs and controlled substances increased by 17 percent in the 2022-2023 school year compared to the previous year; and Whereas, Data from 2022 shows that drug overdose deaths amongst New Yorkers increased 12 percent from 2021-2022 with fentanyl being detected in 81 percent of drug overdose deaths in the City; and Whereas, While the New York State Education Department (NYSED) has implemented a drug prevention curriculum that aims to educate students on materials addressing anti-drug use in addition to providing related resources within New York City's public schools: parents and community members voice concerns that established anti-drug use initiates are insufficient; and Whereas, Implementing a Say No to Drugs Day in the City of New York with an annual date of April 20 serves as a step in preventing substance abuse, provides a platform for educational discussion, and calls attention to the physical and mental implications of drug use, especially amongst children; and Whereas, The annual observance aids in destigmatizing conversations surrounding drug addiction and mental health, empowering young individuals to seek support without judgment and prioritizing prevention, intervention, and advocacy encourages children and youth to make healthy and informed decisions; now, therefore, be it Resolved, Designating April 20 annually as Say No to Drugs Day in the City of New York. KJD LS #15790 2/20/2024 2:30 PM 2