By Steffen Klenk
On Friday, Aug. 23, community members throughout Atlantic County joined together in a collective effort to raise awareness about overdose. The event was held alongside the soft opening of the new Angels in Motion office, located at 2 W. Glendale Ave. in Pleasantville. Various community outreach organizations and volunteer agencies were in attendance, providing life-saving information and tips to the public.
The day began with an impactful program, highlighted by family members and loved ones providing support for individuals in need. Pleasantville Firefighter Justin Hood shared his story of a sibling who battled with addiction and substance use disorder (SUD). Today, that individual is celebrating five years clean. “(They are) a true testament to how someone can completely change their life around and come out on the other side of addiction.”
The day’s program not only heard shared stories of success. There were also personal struggles shared by parents and families of loved ones who lost their battle to overdose. Ocean City resident Sally Onesty shared the story of her son, Tyler, who died at the age of 22. “I honor each soul that we have lost, honor the families, and ones still need our help and their families.”
Elissa Tierney, lead organizer for Not One More, spoke about her experiences in sober living homes and the personal struggles of substance use disorder. “I remember figuring out ways to stay alive (and) feeling invisible.”
Today, the mom of two is living a life of purpose, helping to not only organize with the community to end the ongoing overdose crisis, but bringing this all too important topic to other community leaders and elected officials. “We believe that overdose is preventable, and we have an uphill battle against us. We have the power to change. Every one of your stories is important.”
International Overdose Awareness Day is held annually on August 31st as a campaign to not only end overdose, but to remember those who have died free of stigma, and to acknowledge family and friends who are grieving. In Atlantic County, 179 purple flags are being displayed, each one representing loved ones lost to overdose this year.
Jennifer Pielhau, Community Initiatives Coordinator for Atlantic Prevention Resources, notes that while the number of overdose fatalities have gone down in recent years, there is still more work to be done. “We do a lot of work in the community, getting Narcan into the hands of people that really need it, and making people aware that they are different places to get it.”
Angels in Motion is one of several organizations assisting those who are in active addiction, by providing ‘blessing bags’ filled with everyday items such as clothing, toiletries, sandwiches, and other donated items. Director Susan Long says the conversation is growing. “We’ve come a little way when it comes to talking more about mental health and substance use, and it’s really important to discuss it.”
The organization, alongside AtlantiCare Behavioral Health and Addiction Services, is scheduled to host its inaugural Angels at the Shore Recovery Walk at Atlantic City’s Brighton Park on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 8 a.m. The event aims to raise more awareness about overdose, while honoring individuals and supporting life-saving treatment. Those interested in additional information can email recoverywalkteam@gmail.com.
For individuals like Onesty, she is turning her tragedy into purpose, highlighting the importance of overdose awareness in South Jersey. “I encourage all of us to open up our hands, schedules, pockets, and resources to make an impact.”
Last week’s Overdose Awareness Event was held alongside various community organizations, including Angels in Motion, Atlantic Prevention Resources, Join Together Atlantic County (JTAC), and Not One More. Various agencies were in attendance for the program, including the Atlantic County Division of Public Health and Addiction Services, the Hope Exists Foundation, and the Mental Health Association of Atlantic County, among others.
Local leaders and dignitaries were in attendance, including City of Pleasantville Mayor Judy M. Ward, members of the Pleasantville Police Department, the Pleasantville Fire Department, Captain Michael Ayo (representing the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office), and the Pleasantville Community Relations Bureau.
If you, or someone you know, needs overdose prevention, treatment, or recovery support, contact Atlantic Prevention Resources by calling (609) 272-0101 or visit their website at www.atlprev.org.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
