Morris County Observes 24th Anniversary of Overdose Awareness Day

Morris County observed the 24th International Overdose Awareness Day, gathering officials, families, and service providers to address the ongoing opioid crisis. Commissioner Christine Myers reported a decline in overdose deaths since 2017, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and support for recovery services. The county has allocated $820,000 from opioid settlement funds over the past two years to aid prevention and Narcan training. State Senator Anthony Bucco, who helped designate August 31 as Overdose Awareness Day in New Jersey, underscored the importance of hope in addressing addiction. The Hope One team has distributed nearly 12,000 Narcan kits since 2017, with 185 reported uses to save lives.

Additionally, law enforcement is challenged by the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which are increasingly mixed with other substances. Morris County's collaborative efforts include partnerships among law enforcement and over 75 service providers, focusing on reducing overdose fatalities. The community remains committed to supporting recovery and addressing the evolving nature of substance use disorders.