Burlington County holds vigil to remember victims of substance abuse

Burlington County officials will join local stakeholders, residents, providers and families Thursday evening for a vigil to remember residents who have died as a result of a substance use disorder.

The Night of Tribute & Support takes place every year on International Substance-Related Overdose Awareness Day to help reduce the stigma of substance use disorders, remember those who have lost their lives to this disease, and provide support to their loved ones.

The vigil and memorial ceremony will take place this Thursday, August 29th at 7 p.m. at the Burlington County Amphitheater in Westampton. The event is organized by the Burlington County Coalition for Health Communities, Burlington County Department of Human Services, Burlington County District Attorney’s Office and the support group Shouting for Shelby.

Former Burlington County District Attorney Scott Coffina will serve as master of ceremonies at the event. Scheduled speakers include Burlington County District Attorney LaChia Bradshaw and Alisa Baron of Britney’s Justice 4 Overdose Awareness. The vigil will also feature musical performances, tributes and the reading of names of loved ones who have died due to substance abuse.

The Burlington County Hope One Mobile Outreach Unit will be present at the amphitheater along with the new Hope One for Youth van.

Both Hope One and Hope One for Youth are part of the county’s comprehensive response to the opioid crisis.