Congressman Rob Menendez and eighth-grade students from St. Francis Academy took to the streets of Union City on Tuesday, October 6, to distribute flyers in English and Spanish as part of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's Day to Combat Opioid Abuse. The event, one of many held across New Jersey for the 11th Annual Day to Combat Opioid Abuse, aimed to educate residents about the risks of opioids and help protect children and families from opioid use disorder.
The congressman and students directed volunteers along Bergenline Avenue, sharing information with shoppers and store owners. "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 highlights 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, the statewide initiative also highlighted opioid safety and safer pain management for older adults. "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."
While significant progress has been made in recent years in the fight against the opioid epidemic, the need for education spans all generations. 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. The report cited 365 suspected overdose deaths among New Jersey residents over the age of 55. 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, with the help of participants from across the state. Visit knockoutday.drugfreenj.org for more information. The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is a private nonprofit coalition made up of professionals from the communications, business, and government sectors, whose collective mission is to reduce the demand for illegal drugs in New Jersey through media communication.
