Join Together Atlantic County
ABSECON – Join Together Atlantic Count, a countywide substance misuse prevention coalition is coordinating the Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey’s Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day in Atlantic County.
New Jersey residents will head out into their communities Oct. 6 with an important mission in mind: knock out opioid abuse and save lives. Thousands of volunteers will lead a statewide initiative to address the opioid crisis, spreading awareness and critical information on opioids during this single-day event.
JTAC is seeking residents and community groups of Atlantic County to volunteer to hang doorknockers in their community on Sunday, Oct. 6 to raise awareness about the opioid epidemic impacting New Jersey.
In 2018, more than 3,000 people in New Jersey died of a drug overdose, a majority of which were opioid related. These deaths include those who overdosed on heroin, prescription opioids and synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl.
In its fourth year, Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day increases understanding of the opioid crisis through a mobilization effort with a dual focus: educating physicians and raising awareness among New Jersey residents and families. It is designed to inform residents and health care providers on the steps they can take to help end the epidemic. The New Jersey Senate and General Assembly has supported the event unanimously approving joint legislation designating Oct. 6 as Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day in New Jersey. Governor Phil Murphy signed the resolution in July.
“It is so encouraging to see so many concerned residents from throughout the state of New Jersey take action to address the opioid epidemic in their communities,” said Angelo M. Valente, executive director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.
By participating in Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day, the community can help to support Join Together Atlantic County in their mission: “to prevent, reduce and/or delay substance use in Atlantic County in a long term and sustainable manner.”
Individuals can register to volunteer for Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day at drugfreenj.org/knockoutvolunteers/.
