Ocean County heightens overdose warning after spike in incidents this weekend

Ocean County heightens overdose warning after spike in incidents this weekend
A syringe with ampoules, white powder, a five-dollar bill with bullets and a gun lying on a black glass background. Dangerous bad habits, addiction to drugs and gambling. Crime because of drugs.

BRICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Ocean County officials have activated a Tier 2 response following a spike in overdoses reported on Saturday, March 8, authorities said.

The response level was raised after a concerning number of fatal and non-fatal overdoses were recorded within a short period. Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and seek support if struggling with addiction.

Resources for treatment, counseling, and emergency assistance are available for those in need, officials emphasized.

This comes as a five people were rescued this weekend in a Virginia motel, having overdosed during a party. That incident, while not related, is part of an overall spike in overdoses reported this weekend along the east coast.