The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office is hosting a candlelight vigil on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, to coincide with International Overdose Awareness Month. Now in its third year, the event is intended to help end the stigma regarding substance use related deaths, increase awareness about the opioid epidemic, and share lifesaving resources with the community.
The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at Lincoln Park in Jersey City – at the track near Route 440 – with a speaking program by members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, victim survivors, RWJ Barnabas Health Peer Recovery Specialist, Rubicon Recovery Center, and others. The program will end with a moment of silence and candlelight vigil for individuals who have been impacted by the opioid epidemic, as well as their families. International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized annually on August 31. This year’s theme is “Together We Can.”
“Substance use disorders can effect anyone, regardless of age or background. The unfortunate reality is, the opioid epidemic has already shattered families and left far too many individuals feeling helpless and hopeless,” said Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez. “Each year, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office hosts a community event during Overdose Awareness Month because we recognize that this crisis will only end if we work collaboratively to make recovery resources available to everyone. Together, we can make a difference, end the stigma, and support those on their road to recovery.”
Multiple organizations will be in attendance to share community resources. Participating organizations include: Hudson Regional Health Commission, Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services, Hudson County Department of Family Services and Reintegration, Jersey City Department of Health and Human Services, RWJBH Institute for Prevention and Recovery, Rubicon Recovery Center, Partners in Prevention, Kearny Prevention Coalition, and others.