Mercer County Honors International Overdose Awareness Day Aug. 28

Mercer County officials are joining with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Robbinsville Township and the Prevention Coalition of Mercer County in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day on Tuesday, Aug. 28.

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event that is held at the end of August each year to raise awareness about drug overdoses and reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths. It was first held in Melbourne, Australia, in 2001.

In 2017, more than 500 events were held worldwide, according to overdoseday.com. In 2014, the event became part of the Penington Institute, which is dedicated to the advancement of health and community safety by connecting substance use research to practical action.

The Mercer County event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Community Park, Manor Way and Gordon Road, Robbinsville, NJ, 08691. There will be a candlelight vigil, a memorial table, recovery resources, speakers and a drop box for old/unused medications. Attendees are asked to bring a pair of shoes or picture for the memorial table to honor loved ones lost to a battle with addiction.

Mark Manning and Adrienne Petta will tell their personal stories. Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri and Robbinsville Mayor David Fried will also speak at the event.

For more information, call 609-259-3600, ext. 1102. Anyone who pre-registers before Aug. 13 will receive a free t-shirt, while supplies last. Organizations are welcome to have a table at the event for no charge, but they must register first.

The attached flyer was provided by Mercer County officials