Burlington County officials will join with local advocates, residents, providers and families this Thursday for a vigil memorializing residents who have died as a result of substance use disorder.
The Night of Tribute & Support is held annually on International Overdose Awareness Day to help eliminate stigma surrounding substance use disorder, remember those who lost their lives to the disease, and provide support to their loved ones.
The vigil and remembrance ceremony will be held at 7 PM this Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Burlington County Amphitheater, 5 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton (next to the Burlington County Library). The event is organized by the Burlington County Coalition for Healthy Communities; Shouting 4 Shelby, a nonprofit group that provides support and resources to families impacted by substance use disorder; the Burlington County Department of Human Services; and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.
This year marks the 8th year the vigil has been organized.
“Substance use disorder has stolen the lives of hundreds of Burlington County residents of all ages, races and backgrounds. We gather to remember these victims and to show support to their loved ones and those who are waging their own battles against this terrible disease,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “We continue to provide help to those who need it, and we continue to speak out and take action to eliminate the stigma surrounding substance abuse and all mental illnesses.”
“It’s important for Burlington County residents and families to know they are not alone and that Burlington County and New Jersey have programs and resources to aid them and their families,” added State Assemblywoman Andrea Katz. “Ceremonies like this one help us reach those families while also dispelling the stigma that can prevent those suffering or impacted from the disease from seeking help.”
The remembrance ceremony will feature remarks from community leaders and others impacted by the substance use epidemic, musical performances, tributes and the reading of the names of loved ones lost due to substance use disorder.
The Burlington County Hope One Mobile Outreach Unit will also be present, along with the Hope One for Youth van.
Hope One for Youth launched last year to provide mental health services and outreach to county children and teenagers. The unit travels to local schools, youth group meetings, houses of worship and community events to educate teens, children and parents about mental health, substance use prevention, emotional well-being, resiliency and stigma-reduction.
Both Hope One and Hope One for Youth are part of the County’s comprehensive response to the opioid and substance use crisis. Among the other actions taken by the County include:
These actions and the support provided by numerous partner organizations helped reverse increases in overdose deaths experienced in the county.
A total of 88 suspected drug deaths were reported in Burlington County last year, a 31% reduction from the 128 suspected drug deaths in 2023 and the county’s lowest annual death toll since 2014 when 75 drug deaths were reported in the county.
Drug deaths in the county are on pace to drop again this year. According to preliminary data, there were 35 suspected drug deaths reported in Burlington County through July.
“Every drug death is a tragedy we want to avoid, but we are encouraged by the significant decreases reported in Burlington County,” said Hopson. “It’s evidence that programs and initiatives our County has undertaken are having an impact and help save lives. We won’t rest until the number of overdose deaths reach zero.”