Livingston Township is formally recognizing Aug. 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day, joining a global campaign in its 25th year that aims to reduce overdose deaths and support grieving families.
The township announced the recognition in a press release reported by the West Essex Tribune, describing IOAD as the world's largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember those who have died and acknowledge the grief of families and friends left behind.
The recognition comes as New Jersey continues to grapple with drug overdose deaths. The state recorded 2,861 suspected drug-related deaths in 2023, the most recent year with confirmed data from the NJ Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner. Fentanyl and fentanyl analogs were involved in more than three-quarters of those deaths, according to the NJ Department of Health.
A 25-year campaign, a statewide recognition
This year marks the 25th anniversary of International Overdose Awareness Day, which is organized globally by the Penington Institute, an Australian nonprofit. The 2026 theme is "Twenty-Five Years On. Still Needed."
New Jersey has recognized Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day statewide since 2020, when State Sen. Anthony Bucco sponsored legislation signed by then-Gov. Phil Murphy, according to Morris County government records.
Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said in an Aug. 22 press release about a regional observance that "Overdose Awareness Day is an opportunity to remember those we have lost, support those in recovery, and remind anyone struggling with substance use disorder that they are not alone."
Local resources for residents
Livingston's Health Department and Mayor's Wellness Campaign are among the township entities involved in public health outreach. Residents seeking help with substance use disorder can call ReachNJ, a 24/7 helpline operated by the NJ Department of Human Services, at 1-844-732-2465.
Free naloxone, the medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose, is available at participating New Jersey pharmacies with no prescription required. Residents 14 and older can find locations at StopOverdoses.nj.gov.
Upcoming
- Monday, Aug. 31: International Overdose Awareness Day. Livingston Township encourages residents to learn about overdose prevention and support those affected by substance use disorder.
- 24/7 resource: ReachNJ helpline, 1-844-732-2465, for anyone seeking help with substance use.
