Memorializing Overdose Awareness Day in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, honoring individuals lost in the addiction crisis pandemic

Community Events Mark International Overdose Awareness Day

Communities across New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania are organizing events to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st. This day aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths.

In Cumberland County, a candlelight vigil will be held at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds, Millville, New Jersey, at 6 p.m. Similarly, in Camden County, an event will take place at Timber Creek Park, Blackwood, New Jersey, at 7:30 p.m., rain or shine.

In the Delaware Valley, the number of overdose deaths dropped in 2024, according to experts who attribute this decline to widespread harm reduction tactics, increased access to addiction treatment programs, and a changing street drug supply.

The Pennsylvania Overdose Prevention Organization (POPO) is the organization in Pennsylvania that advocates for remembering opioid victims and organizes an annual community picnic and memorial service on International Overdose Awareness Day. This year, POPO's event will be held at Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center, Bristol, Pennsylvania, from 2 - 8 p.m.

PRO-ACT, an organization providing recovery support services in and around Philadelphia, holds a community picnic and memorial every year on International Overdose Awareness Day. Heather Fechtenberg, director of PRO-ACT, is a key figure in these events.

In Montgomery County, an awareness and resource event will be held at Pottstown Library from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, another organization providing prevention training, substance use treatment, and recovery support in local communities, is also involved in this event. Jennifer King, executive director of The Council of Southeast PA, will be present.

Sea Change Recovery Community & Harm Reduction Center is organizing the 5th annual 100 Waves for Recovery event at The Wooden Jetty - Holgate, Long Beach, New Jersey, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The Salem County Division of Mental Health & Addiction Services and the Salem County Prosecutor's Office are organizing an event at Riverview Beach Park, Pennsville, New Jersey, from 2 - 5 p.m.

Cooper University Health Care is organizing an event in West Cape May, New Jersey, featuring speeches from loved ones and survivors, overdose awareness education, and Narcan training.

In addition, the Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction is organizing an evening of remembrance, support, and action in Hamilton, New Jersey, with guest speakers, grief, recovery, and treatment resources, a memorial display, and a candlelight vigil.

Burlington County and Shouting 4 Shelby are organizing a candlelight vigil at the Burlington County Amphitheater, Westhampton, New Jersey, from 7 - 9 p.m.

Lastly, the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services is organizing a Night of Light event in West Chester, Pennsylvania, which serves as a remembrance of the lives lost to substance use disorders and brings hope to those working towards long-term recovery.

While these events aim to raise awareness and provide support, it's important to note that overdose deaths still claim lives. More than 3,300 people in Pennsylvania, 338 people in Delaware, and 1,813 people in New Jersey still died from overdoses last year.

These events serve as a reminder that the fight against the addiction epidemic is ongoing, and communities continue to come together to provide support and resources for those affected.

Memorializing Overdose Awareness Day in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, honoring individuals lost in the addiction crisis pandemic