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, providing residents and business owners with information about the risks of opioids and how to protect children and families from opioid use disorder. The event was part of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's 11th Annual Day to Combat Opioid Abuse, a statewide initiative that brings communities together to share prevention information.
The congressman emphasized that addressing the opioid crisis requires a collective effort. "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 experience was an opportunity for students to learn about civic responsibility. "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 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, a demographic that has seen a notable number of overdose deaths. 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, but 365 of those deaths were among residents over the age of 55.
Angelo M. Valente, executive director of PDFNJ, praised the students and the congressman for their efforts. "When young people share prevention information with their neighbors, they help start conversations that can reach an entire family," Valente said. "I thank the students from St. Francis Academy and Congressman Menendez for bringing this message directly to the community."
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 is a private nonprofit coalition known for its statewide substance use prevention advertising campaign. More than $200 million in broadcast time and print advertising space has been donated to the 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.
The involvement of young students in this year's event underscores the importance of intergenerational dialogue in preventing opioid misuse. By engaging directly with residents and business owners, the students helped spark conversations that can extend beyond the individuals they met, potentially reaching entire families. As the opioid epidemic continues to affect communities across New Jersey, grassroots efforts like these remain vital to reducing stigma and promoting prevention, treatment, and recovery resources.
