Hunterdon County Commissioner Director Kuhl recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day with proclamation
FLEMINGTON, NJ (Hunterdon County) – In honor of International Overdose Awareness Day, Commissioner Director Jeff Kuhl attended an event co-sponsored by Prevention Resources Inc. and Operation Helping Hands, to raise awareness about lives lost to the opioid epidemic.
The event was held at the Prevention Resource Center, on East Main Street in Flemington, and was well attended by local officials, including County Prosecutor Renée Robeson, organization volunteers, and members of the community.
“Overdose Awareness Day is a significant reminder of the devastating impact that substance abuse and overdose have on our community. Most importantly, it is a day for families and friends to not feel alone in their grief of losing a loved one due to an overdose and to support those who are struggling with addiction,” Kuhl said.
Since its inception in 2001, International Overdose Awareness Day has become the world’s largest annual campaign to raise awareness about drug overdose and efforts to reduce stigma surrounding drug-related deaths. Initiated in St. Kilda, Australia, International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized annually on Aug. 31, to remind people about one of the world’s worst public health crises and to stimulate action and discussion about overdose prevention and drug policy.
In Hunterdon County, the Department of Human Services (DHS) has managed a Task Force, and partners with the Health Department to manage an Opioid Fatality Review Team, that is tasked with data collection and analysis related to drug use and connected fatalities in our community.
Since 2020, the DHS has also partnered with the Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office, to bring resources, education, and services to the community to address the opioid epidemic through an initiative known as ‘Hope One’.
Upon presentation of the proclamation, Director Kuhl said, “Hunterdon County is committed to addressing the opioid and drug crisis through comprehensive prevention, education, and support initiatives. I am proud that we are a county that has been committed since 2023, to being a Stigma-Free community. All 26 municipalities have signed Stigma-Free resolutions as a pledge to provide educational resources, and outreach to individuals and families who may have difficulty in accessing mental health services, including drug rehabilitation and counseling. Our goal for Hunterdon County in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day is to save lives!”
