Hunterdon County Joins Communities Worldwide for International Overdose Awareness Day

The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office and Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office joined thousands of communities around the world in honoring International Overdose Awareness Day, a global campaign dedicated to remembering lives lost to overdose, supporting families, and raising awareness about substance use disorder.

This year, both agencies participated in Overdose Awareness Night at the Somerset Patriots stadium — an event organized by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Operation Helping Hand (OHH) unit. With thousands in attendance and support from the Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren, and Union County OHH teams, the evening served as a powerful reminder of the impact of substance use disorder and the importance of community-driven solutions.

 Operation Helping Hand: Connecting Residents to Hope and Healing

Hunterdon County’s Operation Helping Hand program brings together law enforcement and community partners with one shared mission:
to connect individuals experiencing substance use disorder with treatment, recovery, and essential support services.

A key part of this effort is the work of recovery coaches, who provide compassionate, one-on-one guidance. They help individuals navigate treatment options, aftercare, recovery resources, and the services needed for long-term stability and reintegration. Their role is deeply personal — building trust, offering encouragement, and helping people take meaningful steps toward recovery.

Funding for OHH is provided through the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Office of the Attorney General, and administered by the Office of Alternative and Community Responses (OACR).

Hope One: Support on Wheels

The Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office Hope One initiative continues to meet residents where they are. The Hope One van travels throughout the community offering:

• Substance use and mental health resources
• Family support
• Harm reduction information
• Naloxone education and training

Its mission is simple: make lifesaving resources accessible to anyone who needs them.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.
Visit: https://njprevent.com/help-app/

More News from Raritan

• Discover Somerset County 4‑H at the Fall Open House — September 24 Connect with your community through fun, engaging, community-centered activities year after year.
• Somerset County Stands Ready for National Preparedness Month Residents can also create safety profiles with medical and personal information for each family member that would be displayed to 911 operators during an emergency.