WHEREAS, National Substance Use Disorder Month is observed each January to increase public awareness and understanding of substance use disorder, reduce stigma, and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery supports for those affected; and
WHEREAS, Substance use disorder remains a major public health issue in the United States. According to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 80,391 people died of drug overdoses in the U.S. in 2024, a nearly 27 % decline from the previous year, the largest single-year percentage drop in recent history, while overdose deaths continue to be a leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-44; and
WHEREAS, Opioids, including synthetic opioids like fentanyl, continue to be the predominant driver of overdose fatalities nationally, even amid overall declines in deaths; and
WHEREAS, In the City of Philadelphia, overdose deaths continue to present a significant community public health challenge, with local public health and law enforcement data indicating that approximately 1,045-1,100 overdose deaths occurred in 2024 and preliminary 2025 reporting suggesting a further decline from that level, with fentanyl detected in most of these cases; and
WHEREAS, National Substance Use Disorder Month provides an opportunity to elevate awareness, renew our collective commitment to addressing substance use disorder, support those in recovery, advance evidence-based harm reduction and treatment policies, and build healthier communities for all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes the month of January as “National Substance Use Disorder Month” in Philadelphia, and acknowledges the ongoing impact of substance use disorder on individuals, families, and communities throughout the City.
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