Gaining resolutions creates official recognition of the cause.
Obtaining Official Recognition in the US
W-BAD has been awarded official state recognition in several US States including Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut and Alabama, and we’re on the look out for more.
We’re off to a good start, but we need your help to spread the word about the dangers of benzodiazepines. The purpose of obtaining resolutions in each U.S. State is for official public acknowledgment and awareness of the day, which in turn puts benzodiazepines on the radar of state legislators, so that other bills — like the one in Massachusetts — can materialize.
First, look for your state’s politicians using any of the following resources:
- OpenStates.org – Find your legislator tool.
- USA.gov’s lists of Elected Officials – Learn how to get in touch with your federal, state, and local elected leaders.
Or, you can Google who your politicians are.
Next, please send the following two items to your state representative:
- The W-BAD resolution that was filed in Massachusetts
- One of the two sample letters we have created for you (follow the instructions atop each sample letter to personalize them).
Click on the images below to get a ready to use sample letter.
Existing resolution proclamations A-Z (click the photo for full size):
Alabama: House
Connecticut: Governor
Massachusetts: House
Maryland: Senate
Massachusetts: Senate
Massachusetts: Governor
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Alabama: House
Resolution for Alabama, obtained by Jennifer Cruce-Puckett in 2018. Jennifer says, “I am CRYING, completely exciting and feel accomplished” -
Connecticut: Governor
Obtained by Connecticut's W-BAD state rep Rep Pa Pinto, presented by State Representative Michelle Loness Cook -
Massachusetts: House
Obtained by the Lead United States W-BAD representative, Geraldine Cullity-Burns. The first state to recognize W-BAD, 2016. -
Maryland: Senate
Maryland, the second state to gain recognition of the day in 2016. -
Massachusetts: Senate
Obtained by MA's W-BAD state rep, Sonja Styblo. Resolutions for W-BAD 2018 in Massachusetts. -
Massachusetts: Governor
Sonja, MA's W-BAD state rep, says of the 2018 MA Governor's resolution: "Both the MA senate AND the Governors' office officially recognize W-BAD 2018! To you MA. Res, Gov. Charlie Baker says that he "urges all citizens of The Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance"
W-BAD Representatives who are trying to contact their legislators in an effort to recognize World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day can be found on the W-BAD team page.
