Governor Signs Bucco Bill Declaring Aug. 31 Overdose Awareness Day in New Jersey

Creates an Annual Observance to Fight Addiction

Governor Murphy today signed legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco designating this date, August 31, as Overdose Awareness Day in New Jersey.

“This somber annual observance will remember the lives lost, provide comfort to the families that struggle with the loss every day and support those battling the disease and in recovery,” said Bucco (R-25). “It is our hope that Overdose Awareness Day will shed a light on the horrors of drug abuse and help save lives.”

Overdose cuts through all age, cultural, societal and economic barriers, and has become one of the leading causes of death in New Jersey.

“We must remove the stigma of overdose and addiction to reverse recent trends and prevent tragedies,” Bucco said. “Leveraging public awareness and education, the new law will combat the plague of overdose. Statewide, we must unify behind this effort.”

During the coronavirus pandemic, overdose deaths in the state have skyrocketed by more than 20 percent, and in Morris County the rate was up 38 percent in a recent three-month period over last year.

“In light of the heart-breaking increase in overdose and addiction, and the permanency of the scars they produce, the need for this legislation was clear. The devastating spike is a cry for help and a call to action,” Bucco said. “Far too many lives have been lost across the state due to addiction and overdose and the COVID outbreak has only added fuel to the fire. People need to understand the extent of the problem before we can control the threat to families of every demographic.”

The bill (SJR-85) signed today requests the Governor to call for a moment of silence and issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and New Jersey citizens to observe Overdose Awareness Day with appropriate activities and programs.