Published on April 23, 2018
On Sunday, April 22, 2018 Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Brad Seabury gave a presentation on the Opioid and Heroin Epidemic at the First Presbyterian Church in New Vernon. Approximately 25 parishioners attended the one hour presentation following their morning service.
Prosecutor Knapp welcomed those attending and thanked the Church for hosting the event. He then spoke on the Opioid and Heroin Epidemic. Prosecutor Knapp discussed some of the statistics in the United States at this point, including the fact that more people died in the United States last year from drug overdoses, than during the entire course of the Vietnam War.
Following Prosecutor Knapp's remarks, CAP Seabury spoke about his role in the Morris County Prosecutor's Office as the head of the Special Enforcement Unit. CAP Seabury talked about how his team is attempting to save lives every day throughout Morris County, and the challenges that go along with that. He then provided his Opiates 101 presentation, which covers the essential facts about the Opioid and Heroin Epidemic. One of the main focus points of this presentation is that this Epidemic does not escape any community. It has been happening throughout Morris County and will continue to happen throughout Morris County unless we join together to fight this epidemic.
CAP Seabury introduced Kate Garrity after he completed his presentation. Ms. Garrity provided the audience with a heartfelt, firsthand story of how the Epidemic has affected her life. She shared the tragic story of her son who passed away in 2016, as a way to both keep his memory alive and to help inform the community that it can happen to their children whether they believe it will or not. Kate's continued strength and resolve to help spread the word in the community is an inspiration and people like her play crucial roles in combatting the Opioid and Heroin Epidemic.
The parishioners of the First Presbyterian Church of New Vernon were enthusiastic and eager to learn more about how the Morris County Prosecutor's Office and their partners such as Morris CARES are working to combat this Epidemic in Morris County. Their willingness to participate in community programs, and give back to the Morris County community is important in our combined efforts against the Opioid and Heroin Epidemic.
Inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to Public Information Officer Peter DiGennaro at pressinquiry@co.morris.nj.us or 973-829-8159.