Photos From Highlands Vigil For Drug Overdose/Addiction

HIGHLANDS, NJ — Here are photos from the vigil Thursday night in Highlands, organized by local residents to bring awareness to the problem of drug addiction and overdose along the Bayshore.

"We had a great turnout. Some of the pictures do not show it, but it was a very powerful event. It was too windy for the candlelight vigil, so we used cell phones," said Heather DiBlasi, one of the organizers of the vigil, called Fed UP.

Over 50 people attended last night, meeting at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Highlands Rec Center. Attendees were asked to bring a candle to honor someone who either died from a drug overdose or who is currently in recovery from drug addiction. They also then walked down to the beach for a vigil and moment of silence for those who have died.

"Coming together as a group, we were able to support people who have lost a loved one to this disease," Heather said. "This event brought the community together for support of the lives lost to overdoses and to reduce the stigma attached to substance use disorders and recovery."

"This problem is not going away, it's getting worse and we must start talking about it," she said.