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, New Jersey, as part of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's Day to Combat Opioid Abuse. The volunteers shared information with shoppers and store owners aimed at protecting children and families from opioid use disorder.
“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 event in Union City was one of many held across New Jersey for the 11th Annual Day to Combat Opioid Abuse, organized by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ). 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 emphasized opioid safety and safer pain management for older adults.
“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.”
Angelo M. Valente, executive director of PDFNJ, praised the students and the congressman: “When young people share prevention information with their neighbors, they help start conversations that can reach an entire family. 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 need for education spans all generations. 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. 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 participants from across the state. For more information, visit knockoutday.drugfreenj.org.
The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is a private nonprofit coalition of professionals from the communications, business, and government sectors, with a mission to reduce demand for illegal drugs 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.
