Burlington County officials, advocates, residents, and families will gather this Thursday for a vigil to honor residents who have died due to substance use disorder. The event, called the Night of Tribute & Support, takes place annually on International Overdose Awareness Day and aims to reduce stigma around substance use disorder while supporting affected families.
The vigil is scheduled for 7 PM at the Burlington County Amphitheater in Westampton. It is organized by several groups including the Burlington County Coalition for Healthy Communities, Shouting 4 Shelby, the Burlington County Department of Human Services, and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. This marks the eighth year of the event.
“Substance use disorder has stolen the lives of hundreds of Burlington County residents of all ages, races and backgrounds. We gather to remember these victims and to show support to their loved ones and those who are waging their own battles against this terrible disease,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “We continue to provide help to those who need it, and we continue to speak out and take action to eliminate the stigma surrounding substance abuse and all mental illnesses.”
“It’s important for Burlington County residents and families to know they are not alone and that Burlington County and New Jersey have programs and resources to aid them and their families,” added State Assemblywoman Andrea Katz. “Ceremonies like this one help us reach those families while also dispelling the stigma that can prevent those suffering or impacted from the disease from seeking help.”
The ceremony will include remarks from community leaders, musical performances, tributes, and a reading of names of people lost to substance use disorder.
Attendees will also see outreach efforts from both the Burlington County Hope One Mobile Outreach Unit and Hope One for Youth van. The Hope One for Youth initiative began last year with a focus on providing mental health services and education about prevention for children and teenagers in local schools, youth groups, houses of worship, and other community events.
These units are part of a broader county strategy addressing opioid addiction. Efforts include campaigns such as Stigma-free Burlington County designed to increase awareness about substance use disorders; opening recovery centers where individuals can access peer support; distributing overdose emergency kits containing Naloxone (Narcan) in public spaces; launching Camp Cardinal—a free day camp for children affected by substance use; and installing “Buddy Benches” across the county with crisis lifeline information.
According to recent data reported by county officials, suspected drug deaths in Burlington County dropped by 31% last year compared with 2023 figures—from 128 deaths down to 88—the lowest annual total since 2014 when there were 75 drug deaths reported. Early data shows another decrease may be underway this year with only 35 suspected drug deaths through July.
“Every drug death is a tragedy we want to avoid, but we are encouraged by the significant decreases reported in Burlington County,” said Hopson. “It’s evidence that programs and initiatives our County has undertaken are having an impact and help save lives. We won’t rest until the number of overdose deaths reach zero.”
