The meeting opened with a moment of silence for Brigadier General Dr. William Orr and Dr. Peter Mora, whose contributions to the community were honored posthumously. Additionally, recognition extended to those affected by recent events in Butler, Pennsylvania.

A significant agenda item was the presentation by the Overdose Fatality Review Team, led by Gretchen Haff Peny, which outlined the critical situation regarding overdose deaths in Atlantic County. The team’s analysis brought to light the sharp rise in fatalities involving fentanyl and xylazine. To combat this, they recommended a harm reduction campaign, increased awareness, and greater access to mental health services and regulations for sober living homes.

In response to a question about the target audience for the prevention efforts, it was clarified that the new campaign would focus on areas with a high incidence of deaths, particularly in Atlantic City, but emphasized the need to expand its reach to various communities. The officials discussed the importance of prevention programs in schools, community centers, and among senior adults. Deliberations included the causes of addiction, with a shift from painkillers to trauma-related addiction among younger individuals highlighted. Additionally, the meeting covered the positive impact of marijuana legalization on reducing opioid prescriptions since 2016 and the potential of cannabis in curbing opioid dependence.

The presence of THC in opioid cases and statistical data on opioid prescriptions in Atlantic County were also discussed.

Further discussions revolved around the contamination of street-obtained marijuana with fentanyl. The board addressed the accessibility of Naloxone, a life-saving antidote for opioid overdoses, in public spaces such as churches, schools, and businesses. Despite some hesitancy from establishments like hotels and Wawa, there was a consensus on the importance of making Naloxone more widely available.

The meeting proceeded with the board approving a series of resolutions that included an application for a public health infrastructure grant and contracts for installing video cameras on county buses and various highway improvements. The approval of the purchase of a sewer vacuum and legal materials for county departments was also on the agenda, along with the consideration of various interlocal agreements and appointments.

In the sphere of education and community support, the board recognized the 2024 recipients of the NJ Foundation scholarships, with students from the Atlantic County Institute of Technology being acknowledged for their achievements. Scholarships were presented by representatives from Shi and Jack.