Burlington County Will Help Memorialize Victims Lost to Substance Use Disorder
Burlington County officials will join with local families, advocates, and providers for a vigil to mark International Overdose Awareness Day and provide support for those struggling with substance use disorder.
This year’s Night of Tribute & Support will be held at 7 PM on Monday, August 31, at the Burington County Amphitheater (5 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton). The event is organized by Shouting 4 Shelby, a nonprofit group that provides support and resources to families impacted by substance use disorder, along with the Burlington County Coalition for Healthy Communities, the Burlington County Department of Human Services, and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.
This year is the 9th year the vigil has been organized. County officials said it continues to be important, even amid sharp declines in drug deaths.
Drug deaths in Burlington County dropped for a fourth conservative year in 2025 to a decade low 61 deaths, according to the latest numbers posted by the Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner.
“We are encouraged by the dramatic decreases in drug deaths in Burlington County over the last several years, but we know substance use disorder continues to steal lives,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “Every loss is a tragedy, so we will continue to gather to remember the victims and show support for their loved ones and those who are fighting their own personal battles against this disease.”
“Suspected drug deaths have dropped 65% since 2018 when 176 overdose deaths were reported in Burlington County,” added Commissioner Randy Brolo, liaison to the County Department of Human Services. “The decreases are proof positive that that our efforts to eliminate stigma surrounding substance use disorder and expand access to overdose antidotes, drug treatment, and support services are making a difference. We need to continue to provide help to those who need it, and this vigil is a reminder of why these programs and services are so important.”
State Senator Troy Singleton said those impacted by substance use disorder deserve opportunities to honor their loved ones and learn about available support and resources.
“It’s important for Burlington County residents and families to know they’re not alone and that Burlington County has programs and resources to aid them and their families,” said Senator Singleton. “Ceremonies like this one also help us eliminate the stigma surrounding substance abuse so those suffering or impacted by this illness are not afraid to come forward and seek help.”
The vigil will feature remarks from community leaders and others impacted by the substance use epidemic, musical performances, tributes, and the reading of names of loved one lost due to substance use disorder.
The Burlington County Hope One Mobile Outreach Unit will also be present, along with the Hope One for Youth Van.
Hope One launched in 2019 and travels to various communities in the county to offer training on overdose antidote use, make referrals to recovery services, and provide other resources to individuals and families struggling with substance use disorder or other mental health ailments.
Hope One for Youth was created in 2024 to provide specialized mental health and substance use prevention services for children and teens.
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office will also have staff present to share information about its Straight to Treatment program, which allows those afflicted with substance use disorder to surrender illegal drugs and paraphernalia at select local police departments and meet with counselors for assistance obtaining treatment.
The programs are part of the County’s comprehensive response to the substance use disorder and mental health crisis that has impacted the county, state, and nation. Some of the other actions taken by the County include:
“These programs and support services have helped reverse the tragic increase in drug deaths in Burlington County and across the state and nation, but we won’t rest until the number of overdose deaths reaches zero,” said Commissioner Brolo.
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