As the state works to improve its efforts to decrease the number of deaths resulting in opioid overdoses, Gov. Christie has proclaimed Aug. 31 as “Overdose Awareness Day.” He released this statement:

“Today, New Jersey and communities around the world remember individuals who were lost to drug overdoses and those who have been saved from the depths of an overdose and given a second chance at life. Addiction is a disease, and the associated stigma must be addressed so that more of our relatives, friends, neighbors and coworkers are empowered to get help, instead of suffering in silence from being shamed or disgraced.”

“With prescription and illegal drug overdoses becoming the top cause of accidental death in the nation, it is time to shine a brighter light on this tragic issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 50,000 people die each year in America from drug overdoses and another 2.5 million people are treated in emergency rooms for the misuse or abuse of drugs. The Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse remains committed to raising awareness about prevention, treatment and recovery resources, in order to save lives, combat stigma and end the costly cycle of recidivism. We continue urging people to contact 1-844-ReachNJ and ReachNJ.gov to access immediate and lasting resources to avoid or overcome addiction.”