According to the New Jersey Attorney General’s office, more than 3,000 state residents lost their lives in 2018 to drug overdoses, more than flu, car accidents, and suicide combined. In light of this ongoing epidemic, The Givaudan Community Advisory Panel and the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to present, “The Opioid Crisis: What You Need to Know.” 

“The Opioid Crisis isn’t going away on its own,” said Janen Ardia, a member of the CAP and the Mount Olive Chamber. “It takes a community to face this beast, which affects work and home life alike. We need to change how we look at it—from something to fear to something to defeat. This event isn’t meant to scare, instead, it will bring together a community to discuss the truths of addiction so we can all better understand what is happening in our community.” 

Join experts in their fields on Tues. May 21, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the Budd Lake Firehouse for a selection of panels and one-on-one discussions about substance abuse at home and in the workplace. 

The schedule of events includes a panel discussion, “Avoid the Fear Factor,” during which the Opioid Crisis will be discussed in relation to our communities and businesses. Project 4/80 will present “Cutting Opioid Abuse Off at the Knees.” And HOPE 1, the Morris County Sheriff’s Department’s mobile recovery access vehicle, will be available for tours.  

Additionally, breakout tables will be available for attendees to chat in private about the various services provided by the supporting groups. 

The Budd Lake Firehouse is located at 378 US Highway 46 West in Budd Lake. Though reservations are recommended, walk-ins are also welcome. The event is free and open to all. To RSVP, please visit mountolivechambernj.com.