MORRIS PLAINS BOROUGH, N.J. (Morris County) — Morris County will hold its seventh annual Overdose Awareness Day ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, outside the Human Services Complex at One Medical Drive in Morris Plains.
Families who have lost loved ones to overdose or fentanyl poisoning are invited to arrive at 9:30 a.m. to view memorial name banners. The program will feature county and state officials, guest speakers, service providers and nonprofit partners. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs.
Overdose Awareness Day is recognized internationally each year on Aug. 31 to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding the opioid crisis, including fentanyl-related overdoses.
Morris County’s annual event is organized by the county Division of Community and Behavioral Health Services in collaboration with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and its Hope One mobile services unit, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and community partners.
In 2020, state Sen. Anthony Bucco sponsored legislation designating Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day in New Jersey. The legislation was signed by then-Gov. Phil Murphy. The Morris County Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution recognizing the observance on July 8 of that year.
The annual ceremony honors people who were lost to overdoses, recognizes the impact those deaths have on families and communities, and highlights resources available to support prevention, treatment and recovery.
