On Thursday, August 28, the Morris County community will come together for a moving and impactful tradition—its sixth annual Overdose Awareness Day ceremony. This year’s gathering will take place at 10 a.m. outside the Human Services Complex at One Medical Drive in Morris Plains, offering a moment for reflection, remembrance, and renewed commitment to addressing the opioid and fentanyl crisis.
Honoring Loved Ones and Raising Awareness
Families who have lost someone to substance use or fentanyl poisoning will be honored during the event. Beginning at 9:15 a.m., attendees can arrive early to view memorial name banners, which serve as a poignant tribute to lives lost too soon.
The ceremony will feature county and state leaders, guest speakers, nonprofit organizations, and service providers who work on the front lines of prevention, recovery, and harm reduction. Together, they’ll share stories, resources, and strategies to help combat the ongoing crisis that affects communities across New Jersey.
A County-Wide Collaboration
The event is organized by the Morris County Division of Community and Behavioral Health Services in partnership with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and its Hope One mobile services unit, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, and several community partners.
These collaborations ensure that Overdose Awareness Day is not just a memorial—it’s also a rallying point for education, outreach, and connection. Attendees will learn about available programs for prevention, treatment, and recovery, as well as local initiatives designed to address the stigma that too often surrounds addiction.
A Statewide Commitment to Change
The observance of Overdose Awareness Day in New Jersey began in 2020, thanks to legislation sponsored by State Senator Anthony Bucco and signed into law by the governor. That same year, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners formally adopted the observance through a resolution passed on July 8.
Since then, the annual event has grown into a vital part of the county’s health and wellness calendar, offering both a solemn reminder of the challenges ahead and a hopeful vision of what can be achieved when communities come together.
Why Overdose Awareness Day Matters
Beyond honoring the memory of those lost, the ceremony seeks to spark conversation and action. The opioid and fentanyl crisis continues to impact individuals and families in every corner of New Jersey. By breaking the silence and addressing the stigma head-on, events like this encourage compassion, promote recovery resources, and remind those struggling that they are not alone.
If you or someone you know is battling substance use, this day is an opportunity to connect with professionals and organizations ready to help—right here in Morris County.
For more events and initiatives supporting health and recovery in New Jersey, visit Explore New Jersey’s Health & Wellness section.
