Vigil Remembers Overdose Victims In Burlington County & Beyond

WESTAMPTON, NJ – Burlington County leaders and residents commemorated International Overdose Awareness Day on Wednesday by holding a vigil and remembrance ceremony at the Burlington County Amphitheater in Westampton.

The events were intended to help remove the stigma that surrounds substance use disorder; fondly recall those who lost their lives to the disease and offer support to friends, family and other loved ones the victims left behind.

“It’s an honor to be part of the team that plans and organizes this event,” said Joe Conlin, director of community relations for the Coalition of Healthy Communities and Prevention Plus, a nonprofit group dedicated to preventing youth tobacco, alcohol and drug use and also helped coordinate the event. “By working together, we are helping to eliminate stigma, save lives and give hope to those battling this terrible affliction.”

Roughly 230 Burlington County residents have lost their lives to addiction in recent years, according to the county.

In all of 2021, throughout New Jersey more than 3,000 people died of suspected overdoses in 2021, statewide data show.

Wednesday's event marked the fifth year Burlington County commemorated International Overdose Awareness Day.

A vigil with a similar purpose was also held Wednesday in Camden County.

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