Remembering Loved Ones at
Overdose Awareness and Suicide Prevention Vigil

BRANCHBURG - Have you lost a loved one to addiction, overdose, or suicide? You have an opportunity to join others in the community who share your pain when Somerset County commemorates International Overdose Awareness Day and National Suicide Prevention Month.

Freeholder Shanel Y. Robinson, human services liaison, invites residents to an awareness program being held Wednesday, Aug. 28, at Raritan Valley Community College Conference Center, located at 118 Lamington Road.

Rev. Timothy Wolf of Pioneer Family Success Center will emcee the program, which runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Coffee and refreshments will be available. To register, contact Jennifer Sorensen, Somerset County Human Services, at Sorensen@co.somerset.nj.us or (908) 704-6305.

Freeholder Director Brian D. Levine will be among the speakers. And, to help keep the much-needed conversation going, members of the community, who have lost loved ones due to overdose or suicide, or who are in recovery from substance use or mental health issues, will share their personal stories. These speakers will include Megan Sullivan, Sara Maung and Niki Sumka.

Community agencies, self-help groups and advocacy organizations will be available with resources and tools that residents can use to help someone they know. Other supports – such as trained county staff and a therapy dog – will be available for participants who may need extra support during the event.

At the end of the program, a candlelight vigil will be held in remembrance of all those who have lost their lives to addiction or suicide.

This program is sponsored by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, the Somerset County Department of Human Services, Pioneer Family Success Center and Safe Communities Coalition of Hunterdon and Somerset.

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