HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2014.10.23 - 21567Chairpers94) I move theRfdoptiorlo
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Commissioher MAttie Mcicirfne-0 Hatchett
District #10
Oing Resolution.
CalmissioneW3III/Dyeer
District #14
Miscellaneous Resolution # 14256
BY: Commissioner Mattie McKinney Hatchett, District #10; Commissioner Bill Dwyer, District #14
RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS — SUPPORT OF SENATE BILL 1049 GRANTING POWERS
RELATED TO OPIOID ANTAGONISTS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
TO: Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS opiate addiction is an epidemic among young people throughout Oakland County and the
nation; and
WHEREAS heroin and opiate overdoses are rising in frequency, many of which result in death; and
WHEREAS a medication has been developed to treat opiate overdoses and is being used to save lives
in other communities in the United States and abroad; and
WHEREAS an opioid antagonist prevents or reverses the effects of opioids within a few minutes of
being administered and can be given as an injection or through a nasal inhaler; and
WHEREAS law enforcement officers are frequently the first to arrive on the scene of opiate overdoses;
and
WHEREAS the training of law enforcement officers in the administration of opioid antagonist may help
save lives that would otherwise be lost to overdose; and
WHEREAS granting authorization to law enforcement agencies to purchase and distribute opioid
antagonists will provide equal access to these valuable tools that have been provided to emergency
medical responders; and
WHEREAS this legislation would also provide equal civil and criminal immunity to law enforcement
officers in the administration of opioid antagonists that has been granted to other first responders under
new Michigan laws; and
WHEREAS the Department of Justice has equipped agents in the Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau
of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals and Federal Bureau of Investigation with
opioid antagonists; and
WHEREAS several states including Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey allow police to
administer opioid antagonists; arid
WHEREAS the Michigan Department of Community Health has reported nearly a 300% increase in
heroin related overdose deaths; and
WHEREAS Oakland County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Enforcement Team's heroin cases are up over
400% for the same time period in 2014 as compared to 2013; and
WHEREAS citizens are bringing to light the increasing human cost of heroin to Oakland County
families through organizations like Bryan's Hope; and
WHEREAS the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Sheriff's Association are in support of the
legislation; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Sheriff's office and area local law enforcement agencies should be
granted access to this valuable tool as they meet the challenge of rising heroin usage.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
supports Senate 1049 expanding provisions of the law for the administration, purchasing,
distribution and legal immunity regarding opioid antagonists for law enforcement officers.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the County of
Oakland is directed to submit a copy of this resolution to the Board's legislative lobbyists, the
Office of the Governor, Senate Majority and Minority Leaders, and the House Speaker and
Minority Leader and the Oakland County delegation to the Michigan Legislature.
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Resolution #14256 October 23, 2014
The Chairperson referred the resolution to the General Government Committee. There were no
objections.