Montclair's police chief participates in the 7th annual Opioid Awareness Walk

MONTCLAIR, NJ – Montclair Police Chief Todd Conforti joined community members Saturday for the 7th annual Opioid Awareness Walk, an event hosted by the Essex Health and Wellness Recovery Center. The walk aims to raise awareness of the ongoing opioid epidemic and honor those affected by overdose and addiction.

The event brought together residents, healthcare workers and individuals in recovery to highlight the challenges of opioid use disorder and show solidarity with families affected by the crisis. Chief Conforti’s participation underscored the department’s commitment to addressing substance use issues within the community.

In a statement on social media, Montclair police highlighted the far-reaching impact of the opioid epidemic, saying that “opioid use disorder is devastating to families and communities across this state.” The department did not provide specific attendance figures or details about the speakers at the event.

The annual walk serves as both a memorial and a celebration of recovery, with participants remembering those lost to overdose and applauding those who have managed to overcome their struggles with addiction. The Essex Health and Wellness Recovery Center hosted the event as part of its ongoing mission to combat the opioid crisis through education, prevention and support.

The Montclair Police Department continues to engage in community initiatives aimed at raising awareness and supporting services for those affected by opioid addiction.