SEWELL, NJ – Gloucester County has seen an astounding 67% decrease in fatal overdoses, a milestone achievement that has continued into 2025. According to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, from January 1 to June 30, 2025, there were 12 suspected drug-related deaths in the County, compared to 36 during the same period in 2024 and 39 in 2023.
Commissioner Director Frank DiMarco emphasized the importance of strong partnerships. “With our collaboration with Virtua-Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan College of South Jersey, and the Center for Family Services–Living Proof Recovery Center, we’ve been able to expand Narcan training and distribution, giving residents the tools to save lives,” DiMarco said.
In 2024, Gloucester County distributed 326 Narcan kits, and in just the first six months of 2025, more than 150 kits have already been provided to residents. Commissioner Deputy Director/Liaison Jim Jefferson credits this success to the county’s ongoing harm reduction initiatives, outreach through the WOW Van, and support for sober living housing.
“There were zero deaths reported in January, June, and July of 2025, which proves our harm reduction programs are reaching the right people,” Jefferson said. “One death is way too many, but I like the trend we are going in.”
The decline in overdose deaths in Gloucester County reflects national progress. According to the CDC, overdose-related deaths decreased 27% across the country in 2024. A Decade of Commitment Since establishing the Gloucester County Addictions Taskforce in 2015, the County has launched multiple initiatives to address the opioid crisis, including:
Monthly Narcan training sessions at the Living Proof Recovery Center–RCSJ Deptford Campus, led by student doctors from Virtua-Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine. Participants receive Narcan, fentanyl and Xylazine test strips, and instruction cards.
Recovery-focused events such as bowling, cornhole tournaments, and Eagles watch parties.
Funding for sober living housing, including first month’s rent and security deposits.
Evidence-based peer recovery support models , implemented in partnership with Rowan University and Virtua Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, funded by opioid settlement resources.
Youth support through the RISER Program, offering access points for students struggling with opioid use, on-campus recovery housing, and full scholarships for those in recovery.
Outreach through the WOW Van , delivering harm reduction services directly into communities.
Mobile shower, laundry, and bathroom facilities to provide additional support services. Honoring Lives Lost On Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at James G. Atkinson Park, 1308 Bethel Mill Rd., Sewell, NJ 08080 (Rain date August 27th), to remember the lives of loves ones lost to substance abuse,
Gloucester County will host their Annual Candlelight Memorial Vigil . Resources available beginning at 7p.m. and the Vigil program will begin at dusk. All are welcome.
In addition, on Sunday, August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day, Gloucester County will join over 1,000 events in more than 40 countries in recognizing those lost to addiction and raising awareness about overdose prevention.
As part of this campaign, Gloucester County will display purple flags throughout the county — each representing a life lost to addiction. Flags will be placed at 19 of 24 municipalities, as well as the lawn of the historic Gloucester County Courthouse in Woodbury, Atkinson Park in Sewell, Virtua-Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine in Deptford, Inspira Hospital Mullica Hill, and Jefferson Hospital Washington Township.
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