International Overdose Awareness Day

Observed on Aug. 31 each year, International Overdose Awareness Day seeks to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use, and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind. People of all backgrounds and socio-economic levels are affected by addiction. Although substance use disorder is a disease, there still is social stigma associated with drug use and overdose deaths. Please remember that people lost to overdose are not just statistics – they are people who are loved.

In 2021, 138 people died in Mercer County of a suspected overdose. The tragedy of overdose is far too frequent, but can be prevented. Overdose prevention, education, and recognition play a crucial role in saving lives.

The Mercer County Department of Human Services’ Office on Addiction Services encourages all residents to have access to naloxone, a medication that can help rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. Every month, the Office on Addiction Services collaborates with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School to host a free, virtual training on the use of naloxone (brand name Narcan). Naloxone rapidly reverses an opioid overdose by attaching to opioid receptors and reversing and blocking the effects of other opioids. Examples of opioids include heroin, fentanyl, hydrocodone/Vicodin, codeine and morphine. In the United States, the majority of overdoses are caused by opioids. When administering naloxone during an overdose, it is still is critical to call 911 so that the individual can receive immediate medical attention.

The next training hosted in conjunction with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School is Sept. 22.

Supported by the State of New Jersey, virtual naloxone trainings are held by JSAS Healthcare as well.

The NJ Department of Human Services provides other substance use/abuse services. For more information, visit the ReachNJ website and the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services website. 

INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY OBSERVATION

On Aug. 30, the One Voice Initiative and Ewing Township will host an observation of International Overdose Awareness Day from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Ewing Community and Senior Center. There will be a memorial display, and friends and family are welcome to bring memorabilia of their loved ones who died by overdose. There also will be a medicine drop box to help dispose of medications in a safe and environmentally friendly way, a naloxone demonstration, and candlelight vigil. Anyone who attends also can connect with agencies regarding recovery and treatment resources.

Register for this event at http://www.mercercouncil.org or through the QR code on the flyer.

For more information, email events@mercercouncil.org.

For more information on the Mercer County Office on Addiction Services and its overdose prevention efforts, please contact Ann Dorocki at adorocki@mercercounty.org or 609-989-6826.

The Mercer County Department of Human Services fosters a comprehensive human service delivery system that enhances the health, safety, and quality of life for all residents of Mercer County. The department's goal is to create an environment of public trust by empowering and strengthening individuals and families, advocating for sound policy, mobilizing resources, and acting as champions for those citizens who are most vulnerable and in need of services.

Through its offices and divisions, the Department of Human Services provides funding to community-based organizations for those organizations to provide direct services to Mercer County residents. The department does not provide direct services to Mercer County residents, but directs Mercer County residents to where they can access services. With this funding, the Department of Human Services complies with procurement practices in accordance with the New Jersey Public Contracts Law 40:A:11-1 et seq.