Congressman Rob Menendez joined eighth-grade students from St. Francis Academy on Tuesday, October 6, to distribute flyers in English and Spanish along Bergenline Avenue in Union City, sharing information about opioid risks and prevention with shoppers and store owners. The event was part of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's (PDFNJ) 11th Annual Day to Combat Opioid Abuse, a statewide initiative held each October 6.
The congressman emphasized the collective effort needed to address the opioid crisis. “Combating the opioid epidemic involves all of us. Families, schools, local businesses, community organizations, and leaders at all levels must continue working together to raise awareness and save lives,” Menendez said. “Walking along Bergenline Avenue alongside the students from St. Francis Academy was a powerful reminder that no one can face this crisis alone. I will continue pressing at the federal level to stop the flow of dangerous drugs and expand access to local prevention, treatment, and recovery services.”
The participation of young students underscores the importance of intergenerational engagement in prevention efforts. “We want our students to understand that caring for their community includes actively participating by helping others,” said Deborah Savage, principal of St. Francis Academy. “Joining Congressman Menendez on the Day to Combat Opioid Abuse gave our eighth-grade students the opportunity to put that lesson into practice.”
The Day to Combat Opioid Abuse was permanently designated by unanimous joint legislation in the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly. This year's commemoration also highlighted opioid safety and safer pain management for older adults, a demographic increasingly affected by the crisis. According to the New Jersey State Medical Examiner's Office, there were 1,312 suspected drug overdose deaths in 2025, a 27% decrease from 2024, but 365 of those deaths were among residents over age 55.
“When young people share prevention information with their neighbors, they help start conversations that can reach an entire family,” said Angelo M. Valente, executive director of PDFNJ. “I thank the students from St. Francis Academy and Congressman Menendez for bringing this message directly to the community.”
The initiative is a collaboration with the Governor's Council on Substance Use Disorders and the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. For more information, visit knockoutday.drugfreenj.org. The event was covered by NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE.
The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, known for its statewide substance use prevention advertising campaign, is a private nonprofit coalition of professionals from communications, business, and government sectors. Its mission is to reduce demand for illegal drugs in New Jersey through media communication. To date, more than $200 million in broadcast time and print advertising space has been donated to the campaign, making it the largest public service advertising campaign in the state's history. The Partnership has received 233 advertising and public relations awards from national, regional, and statewide media organizations.
