Two men died from suspected heroin overdoses in Morris Township in the last week, Township police said on Thursday.
Nationally, opiate overdoses kill someone every 19 minutes, according to an estimate cited by police.
In New Jersey, heroin- and opiate-related deaths are occurring at more than twice the U.S. average, says a program called Stigma-Free Morris County.
Township police encouraged those with addiction problems to seek help via www.reachnj.gov (1-844-reach-nj) or Morris County Prevention is Key.
Stigma-Free Morris County also is hosting a public workshop, The Opiate Epidemic: From Addiction to Recovery, on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, from 9 am to noon at the Morris County Public Safety Academy, 500 W. Hanover Ave. in Morris Plains. It’s free, but registration is required.
Here are more details about the recent deaths, from Township police Capt. Mark DiCarlo.
FROM THE MORRIS TOWNSHIP POLICE:
In the last week, Morris Township Police responded to two deaths involving the possibility of an opiate overdose.
On Feb. 10, 2017, patrols responded to a township residence where a 56-year-old white male was found deceased with evidence of heroin and alcohol use.
On Feb. 15, 2017, patrols responded to a township residence, where a 37-year-old white male was found deceased with evidence of heroin use.
Both incidents are still under investigation and the determination of death has yet to be determined, however the presence of opiates is believed to be involved.
Law Enforcement, politicians, and prevention organizations as a whole are working together to address the ever growing opiate epidemic. It is estimated that nationally, one person every 19 minutes is dying from opiate overdoses.
Our small community has experienced two deaths with in five days. Governor Christie’s Administration has provided several concepts to address the problem.
One example is the Overdose Prevention Act, which provides immunity against prosecution for simple possession of controlled dangerous substances when people report those that need medical attention.
Governor Christie’s latest implementation on “Facing Addiction” is encouraging those that have dependencies on drugs should call 1-844-reach-nj or visit www.reachnj.gov
Morris County Prevention is Key is a community-focused non-profit organization providing science-based prevention education programs, professional development training, advocacy, information and referral services.
It maintains the county’s most extensive resource center with up-to-date materials that address issues of substance abuse, violence, ATOD dependence and emerging issues of concern to the Morris County Community. Those seeking assistance can find more information at www.mcpik.org
