SR0933 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0933 LRB095 23107 GRL 53733 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Save A Star Drug Awareness Foundation was established in memory of Daniel Lee Katz, a 25-year old resident of Highland Park, who died of a prescription drug overdose on June 15, 2007; and

WHEREAS, The Save A Star Drug Awareness Foundation has partnered with the DEA Educational Foundation in Washington, D.C. to bring the message of awareness to parents and children all across America through the Rx Factor Traveling Exhibit; and

WHEREAS, The objective of the Rx Factor Traveling Exhibit is to promote the creation of drug-free communities through drug prevention efforts, education, parental involvement, and community-wide support; and

WHEREAS, Prescription drug abuse is one of the major challenges that the nation faces in securing a safe and healthy future for families in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Prescription drug abuse contributes to domestic violence and sexual assault and places the lives of children at risk; and

WHEREAS, Although public awareness of prescription drug abuse is increasing, prescription medications are among the most abused drugs by young people in the United States, and the growing epidemic demands attention; and

WHEREAS, Between 1996 and 2006, the percentages of admissions to substance abuse treatment programs as a result of the abuse of methamphetamines, prescription medications, and marijuana each rose significantly; and

WHEREAS, A dramatic increase in illegal Internet pharmacies selling controlled drugs without the need of a prescription is causing a rise in the abuse of prescription drugs in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Drug dealers specifically target children by marketing illicit drugs that mimic the appearance and names of well known brand-name candies and foods; and

WHEREAS, Parents, youth, schools, businesses, law enforcement agencies, religious institutions, service organizations, senior citizens, medical and military personnel, sports teams, and individuals throughout the United States will experience the Rx Factor Traveling Exhibit in venues all over the State of Illinois and the United States and see for themselves how this epidemic of prescription drug abuse is killing children; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we support the goals and ideas of the DEA Educational Foundation and the Save A Star Drug Awareness Foundation's Rx Factor Traveling Exhibit; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage children and teens to live drug-free lives; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage the people of the United States to promote the creation of drug-free communities and to participate in drug prevention activities to show support for healthy, productive, and drug-free lifestyles; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Save A Star Drug Awareness Foundation as a symbol of our respect.