Passaic, NJ – On Saturday, August 31st, 2024, the City of Passaic, in partnership with OpioidFree and the Mayor’s Youth Council, hosted the second annual International Overdose Awareness Day event at Passaic City Hall. Themed “Together We Can,” this year's event brought the community together to honor those lost to drug overdoses and promote education and action in combating opioid addiction.
The event featured a wide range of family-friendly activities designed to bring the community together and encourage engagement with local resources. Children enjoyed a bouncy house, giant Jenga, and various games such as axe throw, bean bag toss, and a parachute station. Attendees also participated in creative activities at the art station, where they had the opportunity to express themselves artistically while learning about available support services. Music, free pizza, and refreshments added to the atmosphere, creating a space where families could come together to learn, share, and heal.
While the event was lively, community health initiatives were a core focus of the event. Nurses from Medgar Evers College offered free health screenings, while Narcan kits and fentanyl test strips were distributed to support harm reduction efforts. Informational booths from local organizations such as the Passaic Drug Alliance, the Passaic Health Department, the Passaic Fire Department, and the Passaic Police Department provided resources and information on addiction prevention, recovery services, and health care support.
Mayor Lora expressed the importance of the event, stating, “This is both a day to remember those we’ve lost and a day to prevent further losses by bringing people together, sharing resources, and continuing the fight against addiction. Events like this remind us that, as a community, we can raise awareness and provide support so no one has to face these challenges alone.”
In recognition of his leadership in addressing the opioid crisis, Mayor Lora was honored by OpioidFree with an award celebrating his ongoing commitment to public health and addiction awareness.