By: Richard L. Smith
The Prosecutors’ Offices of Hunterdon, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties will host the 5th Annual Overdose Awareness Day on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, home of the Somerset Patriots.
The event, part of the global observance of International Opioid Overdose Awareness Day, is organized through each county’s Operation Helping Hand initiative.
It aims to remember lives lost to substance use disorder, support those in recovery, and connect attendees with prevention and recovery resources.
Two ceremonial first pitches will be thrown, one by a person in long-term recovery and another by a family honoring a loved one lost to overdose. 
Naloxone kits will also be distributed in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Human Services, and a 50/50 raffle will benefit the nonprofit Community in Crisis.
Prosecutors from each participating county emphasized the importance of collaboration, breaking stigma, and making recovery resources accessible.
The Somerset Patriots organization said it is proud to partner with law enforcement and community groups to help spread awareness and encourage education on overdose prevention.
Local partners in the event include Community in Crisis (Bernardsville), Parent to Parent Addiction Services Inc. (Washington), Prevention Links (Roselle), and Prevention Resources (Flemington).
For more information about the Somerset Patriots and the event, visit somersetpatriots.com.