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 about the risks of opioids as part of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's Day to Combat Opioid Abuse. The event, reported by NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE, aimed to protect children and families from opioid use disorder.
The volunteers walked 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."
Deborah Savage, principal of St. Francis Academy, emphasized the educational value for students: "We want our students to understand that caring for their community includes actively participating by helping others. Joining Congressman Menendez on the Day to Combat Opioid Abuse gave our eighth-grade students the opportunity to put that lesson into practice."
The Union City event was one of many held across New Jersey for the 11th Annual Day to Combat Opioid Abuse. 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 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 progress has been made, the crisis persists. 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, 365 suspected overdose deaths occurred among residents over 55, underscoring the need for education across all generations.
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. For more information, visit knockoutday.drugfreenj.org.
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. 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.
