Each year, Mercer Council – with its Prevention Coalition of Mercer County and a variety of community partners – come together to remember, support and honor those whose lives have been affected by overdose and addiction.
Mercer Council has been a pillar of prevention work in the Mercer County for over 45 years, seeking to support healthy, safe and responsible communities by creating pathways to reduce substance-related challenges, through education, advocacy, support and community partnership. As an initiative of Mercer Council, the Prevention Coalition of Mercer County seeks to bring all sectors of the community together to address substance use prevention and harm reduction through collaboration and action, and maintains this focus for International Overdose Awareness Day.

Brief History
International Overdose Awareness Day is an event filled with a strong mix of solemnity, remembrance, and hope. We are deeply grateful to see the support of the community as we rally together for this event year after year, and hope to continue to grow support throughout the Mercer County community.
How to Get Involved
Please join us, whether you’re coming alone or with a family/group. Your presence helps to amplify our message and supports the community of individuals and families that have been affected by overdose or substance use disorder in any way. Registration is simple, and attending the event is a powerful way to show your support for this community.
Event Details
Date: August 27th, 2026
Time: 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Location: Veterans Park North (Klockner Rd Entrance) – Hamilton, NJ
Join us for an evening of remembrance, support, and action, featuring:
- Guest Speakers
- Grief, Recovery, & Treatment Resources
- Memorial Display & Candlelight Vigil
- Law Enforcement & First Responders
More information about IOAD 2026 coming soon. Stay tuned for details!






