PARK RIDGE, N.J.—The Park Ridge Municipal Alliance is participating in a countywide observance of International Overdose Awareness Day on Monday, Aug. 31.
Purple flags and signs will be displayed in Park Ridge and neighboring communities to remember those who have died from overdoses and raise awareness of substance-use disorders and available resources. This year’s message is “Time to Remember. Time to Act.”
According to State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System data provided by the alliance, Bergen County recorded 104 confirmed overdose deaths in 2024, down from 114 in 2023. Fentanyl was involved in 72 of the 2024 deaths.
The alliance plans to announce community information sessions and other events in the coming weeks.
People experiencing a mental health or substance-use crisis can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at any time. Information about local treatment programs is available through the Bergen County Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.