It was an emotional event as many gathered to honor loved ones and friends lost to drug overdoses at the Warren County Overdose Awareness Day Candle Vigil, which took place on Aug. 30 at the Mountain Lake Fire Department.

Every year, thousands of lives are lost to drug overdose and many more permanently injured. Parent to Parent, of Washington, along with the Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities and Blairstown CARE Coalition, brought the community together to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths while acknowledging the grief of families and friends left behind.

The special evening of remembrance and awareness included a butterfly release, a wall of photos, and speakers. Among the special guest speakers was Freeholder Jason Sarnoski (pictured below).

Parent to Parent Addiction Services, Inc., a non-profit organization (501 c3), is located at 325 B,, West Washington Avenue (Route 57), Washington. Parent to Parent provides free services to individuals suffering a substance use disorder and may need help in getting into a detox, rehabilitation, or sober living program, as well as providing transportation to these places if needed. They also offer support to any loved one or family member of a person suffering with the disease of addiction. Support groups are offered every 1st Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at their office. They are available by phone, email, or a private meeting also.

If you would like more information about Parent 2 Parent, visit www.parent2parentaddictionservices.com or email parent2parentwc@gmail.com.