Congressman Rob Menendez joined eighth-grade students from St. Francis Academy on October 6 to distribute flyers in English and Spanish along Bergenline Avenue in Union City, sharing information about opioid risks and prevention with shoppers and store owners. 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 held each October 6.
The congressman emphasized the importance of collective action. "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," Menendez said. "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, noted that the event provided a practical lesson in community service. "We want our students to understand that caring for their community includes actively participating by helping others," Savage 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 Union City event was 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, the 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 need for education 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 age 55, underscoring the importance of reaching older adults.
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.
PDFNJ is a private nonprofit coalition known for its statewide substance use prevention advertising campaign, which has received more than $200 million in donated broadcast time and print advertising space, making it the largest public service advertising campaign in New Jersey's history. The organization has also earned 233 advertising and public relations awards.
The involvement of young students alongside a federal lawmaker signals a growing emphasis on intergenerational and community-based approaches to prevention. As the opioid crisis continues to evolve, such grassroots efforts may be critical in sustaining the decline in overdose deaths and addressing emerging concerns among older populations.
