Congressman Rob Menendez and eighth-grade students from St. Francis Academy took to Bergenline Avenue in Union City on Tuesday, October 6, to distribute flyers in English and Spanish about the risks of opioids and the opioid epidemic. The outreach was part of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s 11th Annual Day to Combat Opioid Abuse, a statewide initiative that brings communities together to share prevention information.
The event, covered by NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE, is one of many held across New Jersey. The New Jersey Senate and General Assembly unanimously passed joint legislation permanently designating October 6 as the Day to Combat Opioid Abuse. This year’s commemoration also emphasized opioid safety and safer pain management for older adults.
“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,” said Menendez. “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.”
Deborah Savage, principal of St. Francis Academy, said the experience was a lesson in civic responsibility. “We want our students to understand that caring for their community includes actively participating by helping others,” she said. “Joining Congressman Menendez on the Day to Combat Opioid Abuse gave our eighth-grade students the opportunity to put that lesson into practice.”
The effort matters because opioid misuse continues to affect families across New Jersey, even as recent data show progress. 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. However, the report cited 365 suspected overdose deaths among residents over the age of 55, underscoring the need for education that spans all generations.
Angelo M. Valente, executive director of PDFNJ, praised the students and the congressman for their direct outreach. “When young people share prevention information with their neighbors, they help start conversations that can reach an entire family,” Valente said. “I thank the students from St. Francis Academy and Congressman Menendez for bringing this message directly to the community.”
The Day to Combat Opioid Abuse is a PDFNJ project in 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. Residents seeking more information can visit knockoutday.drugfreenj.org.
PDFNJ is a private nonprofit coalition of communications, business, and government professionals working to reduce demand for illegal drugs through media communication. The organization has received more than $200 million in donated broadcast time and print advertising space, making its campaign the largest public service advertising effort in New Jersey history. It has also earned 233 advertising and public relations awards from national, regional, and statewide media organizations.
