Group to observe Overdose Day

NEWTON — The Sussex County Recovery Advocacy team of NCADD-NJ and the Center for Prevention and Counseling will host a Candlelight Vigil and Name Reading Ceremony in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018 at the Newton Green at the intersections of Routes 206/94 and Spring Street.
International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August 31st each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose. The days also serves to spread the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable, resources are available and recovery is possible.
Beginning at 7 p.m. on Aug. 31, the public is invited to this free event where luminaries will frame the Newton Town Square representing love for all who have lost someone and hope for those still struggling with substance use. Local recovery support resources will be available and the public is also encouraged to bring and dispose of unwanted, expired and unneeded prescription drugs at an available mobile prescription disposal box to properly discard of them and prevent further drug misuse. The evening will include a personal story as well a name reading ceremony, and you may submit the name of a loved one to be read at this link http://weblink.donorperfect.com/overdoseday.
For more information or to become involved in the planning of this and other recovery support events, anyone is welcome to attend the next meeting of recovery advocates on Monday, Aug. 13, from 6-7 p.m. at 65 Newton Sparta Road, Newton NJ or to contact Katie Calvacca from The Center for Prevention and Counseling at (973)940-2966 or katie@centerforprevention.org.