Purple Flags Planted In Hazlet Ahead Of Overdose Awareness Day

HAZLET, NJ — Hazlet residents might have noticed the purple flags planted on the front lawn of the police department. They are 51 in total and represent the number of Monmouth residents lost due to overdose from January through March 31, 2021.

In an effort to bring attention to the impact of drug overdose, Mayor Tara Clark will proclaim August 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day in Hazlet Township.

"Hazlet Township is not immune. You may have seen it, it has happened to people around you. Tomorrow, it could happen to someone you love. This is not an invisible issue," the proclamation states.

The purple flag campaign is also being supported by Holmdel, Middletown, Red Bank and other towns in Monmouth County.

There are two events planned in town for the end of the month:

• Aug. 29: Overdose Awareness Day at Long Branch City Hall (344 Broadway). There will be guest speakers, personal stories, tributes to loved ones, resources and more. The event is from 1:30 to 4 p.m., with a rain date for Aug. 30, from 5 to 7 pm.
• Aug. 31: Overdose Awareness Walk at 3:15 p.m. at the Tigger House Foundation (93 Shrewsbury Avenue, Red Bank). At 4 p.m. there will be a Walk to Riverside Gardens (Park, 40 W). A ceremony will follow at 5 p.m. at the park with speakers, substance abuse resources and information and a moment of silence to remember those lost to overdose.