Poricy Park Hosts First-Ever Overdose Awareness 5K Aug. 28

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Heroin use and drug addiction is a big problem in the Bayshore area, although many local towns have taken measures to fight back and save their communities and young people from the clutches of drug addiction.

To that end, the Middletown Municipal Alliance (MMA) will hold its first annual Overdose Awareness 5K Saturday, August 28 at Poricy Park.

The 5K will go from 8 to 9:30 a.m. in beautiful Poricy Park, and anyone who wants to run is welcome. You do not have to be a resident of Middletown. There will also be a 1-mile run/walk for anyone who wishes. It is $25 to do the 5K and $15 to do the 1-mile walk/run.

Learn more and sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/...

All money raised will go to raise awareness of and fight drug addiction in Middletown, the Bayshore and throughout Monmouth County. The Alliance is dedicated to providing free drug-prevention programs to youth and families in Middletown Township.

They will be handing out purple flags and runners/walkers are encouraged to write the names of who they are running for. The Alliance is partnering with the Hope For Children Foundation for this 5K.

They will also be accepting donations for Middletown Social Services. Please bring a nonperishable food item and/or toiletry item.

What is the Middletown Municipal Alliance? It is an entirely volunteer organization that focuses on educating people about substance abuse and eliminating the stigma surrounding it.

Middletown will also be taking additional measures to raise awareness about substance abuse. The Middletown Township Committee will be recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31) at the Township Committee meeting on Monday, August 16. During the month of August, Middletown Town Hall will be illuminated in purple and the Prevention Coalition of Monmouth County will also be displaying purple flags along the perimeter of Town Hall to honor the lives lost to overdose in Monmouth County this year.

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