Proclamation 9499-Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week, 2016
Issued 2016-09-16 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama designated September 18-24, 2016, as Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week. This proclamation officially recognized a week for Americans to focus attention on the growing crisis of opioid addiction and overdose deaths. According to the proclamation, more Americans were dying from drug overdoses than car accidents each year, with over three out of five overdose deaths involving opioids like prescription painkillers, heroin, and fentanyl. The number of these deaths had nearly quadrupled since 1999.
This action affects all Americans, particularly communities struggling with opioid addiction and families who have lost loved ones to overdoses. The proclamation called on Americans to observe the week with programs, ceremonies, and activities that raise awareness about the epidemic. It highlighted that misconceptions and stigma were preventing people from seeking treatment for opioid use disorder.
The proclamation itself is a ceremonial declaration that raises public awareness without creating new laws or spending. It represents a traditional presidential function dating back to George Washington. While the proclamation mentioned that President Obama was asking Congress for $1.1 billion to expand treatment services and was directing federal agencies to address the crisis, the proclamation itself simply establishes the awareness week and calls attention to the issue.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9499-Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to prescription opioid and heroin epidemic. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Proclamation 9499—Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week, 2016 September 16, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Each year, more Americans die from drug overdoses than in traffic accidents, and more than three out of five of these deaths involve an opioid. Since 1999, the number of overdose deaths involving opioids, including prescription opioid pain relievers, heroin, and fentanyl, has nearly quadrupled. Many people who die from an overdose struggle with an opioid use disorder or other substance use disorder, and unfortunately misconceptions surrounding these disorders have contributed to harmful stigmas that prevent individuals from seeking evidence-based treatment. During Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week, we pause to remember all those we have lost to opioid use disorder, we stand with the courageous individuals in recovery, and we recognize the importance of raising awareness of this epidemic. Opioid use disorder, or addiction to prescription opioids or heroin, is a disease that touches too many of our communities—big and small, urban and rural—and devastates families, all while straining the capacity of law enforcement and the healt