Updated Overdose Map In Howell Is Out To Increase Awareness

HOWELL, N.J.— As part of an overdose awareness initiative, the latest map of overdose incidents in the township was released by the Howell Alliance and the police department.

“All communities have overdoses. Howell chooses to be transparent with our town’s data to educate our community and create awareness,” said Capt. John Storrow of Howell Police, who worked closely on the mapping project.

As of March 31 of this year there were two fatal and 13 non-fatal reports of drug overdoses, according to the Howell Alliance website.

“These are community members and neighbors. By using the Project Medicine Drop box available 24/7 in our police department lobby, you can make a difference by stopping unused medications like prescription pain relievers from getting into the wrong hands. Most misused prescription drugs actually come from the family’s, friends’, and home medicine cabinets,” Storrow said in a release onthe police department Facebook page.

The Howell Alliance collaborates across the community to prevent substance abuse, underage drinking and marijuana use, alcoholism, tobacco/nicotine use, vaping and other at-risk behaviors, its website says.

It also promotes physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being and the reduction of substance use and mental health disorder stigmas through providing awareness, resources, and education to all community populations. Alliance stakeholders include law enforcement, educators, town officials, businesses, civic organizations, and concerned citizens.

The original map (2015-2020) and the new version, including 2021's data, was put together by the NJ National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. To view the map online — and to learn about safe drug disposal, visit the Howell Alliance's website.