Congressman Rob Menendez joined eighth-grade students from St. Francis Academy to distribute flyers in English and Spanish along Bergenline Avenue in Union City on Tuesday, October 6, as part of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's (PDFNJ) Day to Combat Opioid Abuse. The volunteers engaged shoppers and store owners with information 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,” 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.”
The event was one of many held across New Jersey for the 11th Annual Day to Combat Opioid Abuse, organized by 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.
“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.”
According to data from the New Jersey State Medical Examiner's Office, there were 1,312 suspected drug overdose deaths in 2025, a 27% decrease from 2024. However, the report cited 365 suspected overdose deaths among New Jersey residents over the age of 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, with participants from across the state. For more information, visit knockoutday.drugfreenj.org.
This news matters because it demonstrates a collaborative approach to addressing the opioid crisis, combining federal leadership, local education, and youth engagement. The involvement of students highlights the importance of early prevention and community participation. With overdose deaths declining but still affecting older adults disproportionately, such awareness efforts are crucial to sustaining progress and saving lives.
