Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced today that the public is invited to attend a forum later this month to discuss the opioid crisis that is creating devastation in New Jersey and across our nation.
The event will feature recovery stories from those who battled the stranglehold of opioids and emerged victorious. The public will hear from a man who graduated from Drug Court and is now completing law school, a woman in long-term recovery who is now a legal professional, and the mother of an addict in long-term recovery who supported her son during his challenges, and also got help for herself along the way.
“The grip of addiction can make life seem hopeless, and those struggling with this condition often abandon their aspirations of a bright future,” Prosecutor Coffina said. “We hear about tragedy after tragedy as this epidemic rages on – understandably so, as each person lost is honored and mourned by their loved ones. This evening holds the promise of the other side of the coin – long-term recovery – as evidenced by the achievements of our speakers. If you or someone in your life is facing the same struggle, please join us for what promises to be a very uplifting and hopeful evening.”
The forum will be held at Friendship AME Church, located at 711 Lakehurst Road in the Browns Mills section of Pemberton Township. Light refreshments will be served during registration, which begins at 5:30 p.m. The forum will begin promptly at 6 p.m. and is scheduled to end by 8 p.m. Information on local treatment resources also will be provided.
“As a leader in Burlington County’s fight against addiction, I look forward to hearing the stories from those who have been able to turn their lives around,” said Burlington County Freeholder Deputy Director Linda Hughes. “Too often, the news surrounding opioids involves stories of those who have lost the fight. It is important to remember that long-term recovery is possible, and we have resources to assist those who are seeking to overcome addiction.”
To register, please visit https://burlingtoncountynj.wufoo.com/forms/bcpo-community-forum-on-opioids/
For more information, contact BCPO Public Information Officer Joel Bewley at jbewley@co.burlington.nj.us
2018-70 BCPO to Hold Opioid Forum