Health & Fitness

Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall Open For Somerset County Residents

The town hall series focuses on the link between prescription drug dependency and heroin abuse.

BERNARDSVILLE, NJ — Somerset County residents are invited to attend the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall series in Bernardsville.

The event will be held on Oct. 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Bernards High School, Performing Arts Center, 25 Olcott Ave., Bernardsville.

Organized with the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, the town hall series focuses on the link between prescription drug dependency and heroin abuse. The series includes collaboration and support from hundreds of local prevention and treatment organizations, as well as local and county law enforcement, government and medical community leaders.

Find out what's happening in Bernardsville-Bedminsterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The Somerset County Town Hall is co-sponsored by Community in Crisis.

In 2015, more than 33,000 Americans died from an opioid overdose, an average of about 91 deaths per day, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Find out what's happening in Bernardsville-Bedminsterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

ā€œAll residents of New Jersey are encouraged to join the conversation and participate in their local Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall to understand the disease of addiction, develop strategies to help protect their families and identify resources to address individuals who have become dependent on prescription drugs or are abusing heroin,ā€ said Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

Speakers will include:

  • Michael Robertson, Somerset County Prosecutor
  • Jody D’Agostini, Founder and Chair, Community in Crisis
  • Gregg Benson, Clinical, Consultation and Training Services
  • Michael Pittman, Outreach Coordinator, Humble Beginnings Recovery Centers
  • Michael Gerardi, MD, Emergency Medical Associates
  • Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli

For more information visit knockoutopioidabuse.drugfreenj.org.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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