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 prevent 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 held every October 6 to raise awareness and encourage community action.
The involvement of young students alongside a federal lawmaker underscores the growing recognition that the opioid crisis requires engagement from all segments of society. "Combating the opioid epidemic involves all of us," said Congressman Menendez. "Families, schools, local businesses, community organizations, and leaders at all levels must continue working together to raise awareness and save lives." He added that walking along Bergenline Avenue with the students was a powerful reminder that no one can face this crisis alone, and he reaffirmed his commitment to pressing at the federal level to stop the flow of dangerous drugs and expand access to local prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
The participation of St. Francis Academy students highlights the role of youth in community health efforts. Principal Deborah Savage explained, "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." Their efforts helped spark conversations that can extend beyond the individuals they approached, potentially reaching entire families.
The Day to Combat Opioid Abuse was permanently designated by unanimous legislation in the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly. This year's initiative also emphasized opioid safety and safer pain management for older adults, a demographic increasingly affected by the crisis. 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 of those deaths were among residents over the age of 55, indicating that prevention and education must address all generations.
Angelo M. Valente, executive director of PDFNJ, praised the students and Congressman Menendez, saying, "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." The event in Union City was one of many held across New Jersey, demonstrating a collective commitment to reducing opioid-related harm.
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 that has received more than $200 million in donated broadcast time and print advertising space, making it the largest public service advertising campaign in the state's history. The organization has also earned 233 advertising and public relations awards from various media organizations.
