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, providing residents and business owners with information to protect children and families from opioid use disorder. 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 that brings communities together to raise awareness about the risks of opioids and prevention strategies.
"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."
The involvement of young students underscores the importance of intergenerational education 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 New Jersey Senate and General Assembly unanimously passed joint legislation permanently designating October 6 as the Day to Combat Opioid Abuse in New Jersey. This year's initiative also highlighted opioid safety and safer pain management for older adults, a demographic increasingly affected by the crisis. According to data from the New Jersey State Medical Examiner's Office, there were 1,312 suspected drug overdose deaths in 2025, representing a 27% decrease from 2024. However, the report cited 365 suspected overdose deaths among New Jersey residents over the age of 55, emphasizing the need for education across all generations.
"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 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.
The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, known primarily for its statewide substance use prevention advertising campaign, is a private nonprofit coalition made up of professionals from the communications, business, and government sectors. Its mission is to reduce the 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 Partnership's 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.
The event in Union City reflects a broader push to engage local communities in prevention efforts, especially as the state sees a decline in overall overdose deaths but continued risks among older adults. By mobilizing students, elected officials, and community members, the Day to Combat Opioid Abuse aims to sustain progress and reduce stigma around substance use disorder.
