Gloucester County To Remember Overdose Victims With Vigil

GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NJ — Gloucester County will host its fifth annual Candlelight Vigil to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 27 at James J. Atkinson Park. The vigil will begin at dusk.

The goal of the event is to raise awareness about opioid overdoses and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also gives residents the chance to honor friends and family members who died or were seriously injured as the result of an overdose. In five years, the vigil has memorialized more than 600 people, officials said.

“Addiction touches almost every family in some way, shape or form and by lifting the stigma of shame we hope to reach people and help our community,” Gloucester County Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said.

“Gloucester County has resources to help those struggling. Together we can accomplish more to help those struggling and those who have lost family and friends realize they are never alone,” Freeholder Jim Jefferson, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services, said.

The Gloucester County Addiction Task Force consists of community members that have been adversely impacted by addictions, or are working professionals in the field. It holds monthly NARCAN trainings, provides individuals resources to treatment through various programs and assists in housing, educational and vocational training for those in recovery.

Anyone who has a family member or friend they would like to commemorate in this ceremony should send their name and photograph to:

Robert Bamford
Email: rbamford@co.gloucester.nj.us
Phone: 856-384-6929

The vigil will begin at dusk and will be held rain or shine at James Atkinson Park; 138 Bethel Mill Rd. Sewell, NJ 08080. Attendees must wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines as set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Seating is limited. Residents should bring their own chair or blanket. There will be resource tables that will open at 6 p.m.