In the Home

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey provides resources and information for New Jersey families to take steps to prevent substance abuse in their home.

In the Workplace

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey provides free training to small and mid-sized business to assist them in creating drug-free workplace policies.

In the Schools

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey provides opportunities for students in the third grade through high school to participate in substance abuse prevention activities and contests throughout the year.

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In the Community

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey serves in a leadership role in the prevention and treatment communities of New Jersey and provides workshops and trainings to parents, caregivers, educators, and municipal alliances.

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In the Media

The Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey’s substance abuse prevention public service campaign is the longest running in New Jersey history. PDFNJ’s campaigns have been featured in the White House Office of National Drug-Control Policy Strategy Report to the nation.

  • In the Home
  • In the Workplace
  • In the Schools
  • In the Community
  • In the Media

Only Watch This Video if You Love Your Children

A must-watch video for all parents. Four mothers share their personal journeys in dealing with children who tragically battled opiate addiction.

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NJSDD 2014 10-Year Anniversary Concert Now Airing on Comcast on Demand

The 2014 Prevention Concert is being aired on Comcast On Demand NOW thru 9/12! Comcast Digital Cable customers can view the program for free. From the On Demand menu select: Get Local/Community Investment/Specials. It is also available on Comcast’s X1 Operating System as well as its local, linear channels through Labor Day (check local listings for schedule). PDFNJ thanks NJSDD sponsor, Comcast/NBCUniversal, for supporting these amazing NJ teens and making this program available for the public to enjoy!

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NJ.com: Opinion: Require prescription drug monitoring in New Jersey

By Steve and Elaine Pozycki - The prescription drug abuse epidemic and its related explosion of heroin addiction continue apace in NJ. We read about the human cost in ruined lives and premature deaths in our newspapers every day. As bills are beginning to be introduced in the General Assembly and a policy response to this acknowledged epidemic is forming, now is not the time for half-measures.

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Hear Angelo M. Valente, Ex. Dir. of PDFNJ, Interviewed in 5 Part Series on 101.5 FM

From June 23 to June 27, NJ 101.5 reporter David Matthau filed an informative and important series about the rise opioid abuse in New Jersey, featuring PDFNJ executive director, Angelo M. Valente

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NJ Senate and Assembly Declare June 9 to 13 Opioid Abuse Awareness Week

NJ Senate and Assembly urges all citizens of NJ to participate and inform themselves about opiate abuse by visiting TalkNowNJ.com.

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Morristown Medical Center Do No Harm Symposium Targets Painkiller Epidemic

Dailyrecord.com: "In 2010, enough prescription painkillers were prescribed in the United States to medicate every adult American, every four hours, for a month," Paul Fishman, U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, said Tuesday at Morristown Medical Center. "Think about that. In the year 2000, just 14 years ago, retail pharmacies dispensed 174 million opioid prescriptions, In 2009, 257 million, an increase of almost 50 percent."

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APP.com: Doctors hear about opiate prescription precautions at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

In the auditorium of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University Thursday, Meg DuPont Parisi explained to an audience of about 100 medical professionals how an addiction to prescription opiates killed her son, Patrick.

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Angelo M. Valente, Ex. Dir. of PDFNJ, Helps Raise Heroin Awareness on 107 Hours Live with 107.1FM

Heroin and opiate abuse has become a staggering problem in Monmouth and Ocean Co's. NJ is now home to over 10% of the nations heroin addicts, most of whom are between the ages of 17 & 26 years old. It is a problem that affects us all, regardless of social status. These are our neighbors and friends, our kids and their peers, dealing with this in schools and at parties and even in our own homes.

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2014 NJ Shout Down Drugs Winner Crowned

NEWARK — NJ has a new set of ambassadors to Shout Down Drugs. Michael Mastellone, Derek Ritschel, Bradley Ritschel, and Matt Korzen, students at Whippany Park High School, known as The Whiptones, are the statewide champions of the 10th Annual PDFNJ's Shout Down Drugs Prevention Concert.

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Angelo M. Valente, Ex. Dir. of PDFNJ, Appears on Good Morning America

Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, appeared recently on Good Morning America talking about the dangers of “glow parties”. These parties are aimed at teenagers as young as 16 and are billed as non-alcoholic, but authorities are concerned that MDMA (Molly) use is rampant.

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Steven J. & Elaine Pozycki Honored at PDFNJ's 2014 Angel of Hope Gala

Steven J. and Elaine Pozycki were recently honored at the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Angel of Hope Gala, for which they served as co-chairs. The Pozycki’s of SJP Properties, are also on the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Board of Trustees.

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Sayreville PD to monitor “Glow parties”

Middlesex County Acting Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and Chief John Zebrowski of the Sayreville Police Department announced today that law enforcement agencies within the county are stepping up efforts to alert parents about the growing sale and use of the illegal drug, “Molly,” at promoted events, particularly “Glow parties.” Such an event is being hosted by a Sayreville nightclub on April 12, 2014.

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PDFNJ, Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, along with Actavis, unveil an AMCC Rx Drop Box in Secaucus

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, in conjunction with Actavis, unveiled a Americvan Medicine Chest Rx Drop Box in Secaucus. The box is located in the lobby of the Secaucus Police Department at 1203 Patterson Plank Road.

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N.J. heroin crisis: Christie discusses new tool in battle against overdoses

Brick - Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and participant in the roundtable discussion, thanked Governor Christie for his leadership and concern on the issue of prescription drug and heroin abuse in New Jersey. “Narcan is a great a tool to help law enforcement and first responders to help save lives, while we continue to focus on prevention education.” Valente urged.

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AMCC Provides Middlesex Co Residents an Opportunity to Safely Dispose of their Unneeded Rx

MIDDLESEX COUNTY --- Middlesex County residents will have more opportunities to safeguard their homes from prescription drug abuse at a permanent American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC) disposal box.

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Comcast Newsmakers - PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo Valente Discusses 2014 NJSDD

PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo Valente discusses the 2014 New Jersey Shout Down Drugs music competition to be held in Newark, NJ on May 21, 2014.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo M. Valente Applauds US AG Eric Holder's Response to Heroin Epidemic

Angelo Valente, Ex. Dir. of PDFNJ, says New Jersey has been focused on the issue for years and warns heroin has reached what he calls epidemic levels in the state. This problem exists in all communities, not just urban areas.

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philadelphia.cbslocal.com: Drop Off Boxes Offer A Secure And Anonymous Way To Fight Drug Abuse

Over the last six months the partnership for a drug free New Jersey has been installing permanent drop off boxes for prescription drugs. It’s called the American Medicine Chest Challenge and this is the newest box at the Atlantic County Courthouse in Mays Landing.

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AMCC Provides Atlantic Co. Residents an Opportunity to Safely Dispose of their Unwanted Rx Medicines

With the support and collaboration of Actavis, PDFNJ – the parent organization of the American Medicine Chest Challenge, recently awarded the Atlantic Co. Sheriff’s Office with a permanent collection box for the disposal of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine, the 79th permanent collection in the state of NJ. The box will be located in the vestibule of the Mays Landing Criminal Court Complex, which is open to the public from 7:30am to 5pm Monday through Friday.

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Actavis/AMCC Unveil New Drop Box in New Providence

The American Medicine Chest Challenge, in conjunction with Actavis, unveiled a brand new permanent prescription drug drop off box in New Providence.

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NJTV News: Drug-Free NJ Director Says Parents Need To Be Vigilant

Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Executive Director Angelo Valente says parents are recognizing the problem of prescription and over the counter drug abuse and must make sure medicines are locked away and properly disposed of.

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Angelo M. Valente, Ex. Dir. PDFNJ, Featured on Fox News' Geraldo at Large

Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey was featured on Geraldo At Large to discuss the heroin abuse epidemic along with Angela Cicchino, a recovering heroin addict.

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Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Honored by National Affiliate

PDFNJ is being honored by The Partnership at Drugfree.org with the 2012-2013 Alliance Achievement Award for its innovative and versatile approach getting its message out. (l-r) Steve Cline, Deputy Director of Field Operations, Partnership at Drugfree.org and Angelo M. Valente, Ex. Dir., PDFNJ.

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NJ.com: The deadly hold of prescription drug abuse: Opinion

One in six American teenagers have used a Rx drug to get high. Over the period of a month, roughly 7 million Americans use Rx drugs for nonmedical reasons. Drugs are now the No. 1 accidental killer in the United States, with the vast majority of deaths caused by Rx drugs. There is now one death every 24 minutes.

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The 2014 NJSDD Music Competition is Underway

If you are a high school student and want to perform in front hundreds join the 2014 New Jersey Shout Down Drugs music competition. Cash contracts awarded to the top three finishers.

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Brielle Students Win Statewide Middle School PSA Scriptwriting Contest

Emily Brzozowski, Audrey Mannion, and Caroline Savage, 8th grade students at Brielle Elementary School, were selected as statewide winners in PDFNJ’s Annual Middle School PSA Announcement Challenge. They students competed against over 500 of their peers from every part of NJ to create the most creative and powerful substance abuse prevention television commercial script.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir, Angelo Valente, Appears on the Caucus: New Jersey Panel with Steve Adubato

Angelo Valente appeared on the Caucus: New Jersey panel with Steve Adubato discussing Rx drug abuse and what parents can do about it. Tune in to learn about this epidemic gripping New Jersey and the rest of the country.

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Hurricane Sandy Resources

Click here for resources to manage the emotional impact of Hurricane Sandy

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Heroin Prevention PSAs Urge Parents to Talk to their Children as Heroin Deaths Spike in NJ

NEW BRUNSWICK— Talking to your kids about the dangers of heroin is the theme of a new public service campaign created by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ), in collaboration with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, and the County Prosecutors in Monmouth, Ocean, and Cape May Counties.

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PDFNJ’s "Do No Harm" Symposium to be held October 30th

The Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration-New Jersey, and the New York/New Jersey HIDTA, will host the Do No Harm Symposium: Keeping it Legal and Safe in the Medical Community, A symposium with New Jersey’s medical community on the epidemic of prescription drug abuse and professional responsibilities and role of the medical community in curbing this epidemic. The event will be held on October 30, 2013 at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey. The event will be held from 8 am until 1 pm.

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In So. Plainfield, Congressman Pallone, PDFNJ, & Community Leaders Highlight Epidemic of Rx Drug Abuse

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. joined with PDFNJ & community leaders at CVS Pharmacy in So. Plainfield, NJ to announce his legislation, the Medicare Prescription Drug Integrity Act, to address new reports of inappropriate payments for prescriptions of controlled substances in Medicare’s Part D program.

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Angelo Valente on FoxNY Good Day Street Talk

Ex. Dir., Angelo Valente, FoxNY Good Day Street Talk (@Fox5GDST) with @bensimmoneau talking substance abuse & important info for parents. The growing trend of heroin use in New Jersey has increased drastically and many of the victims are kids.

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Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey Unveils Waves of Hope Campaign

The Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey unveiled its Waves of Hope campaign designed to get mental health and substance abuse aid to victims of Hurricane Sandy.

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Millburn Police Unveil New Prescription Drug Drop-off Box

The Millburn Police Department, in conjunction with the American Medicine Chest Challenge, introduced a custom designed permanent prescription drug drop-off box at their station on Essex Road in Millburn.

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Nicole Levine of Essex County Wins PDFNJ's Ninth Annual Shout Down Drugs Prevention Concert

Nicole Levine of Essex County is the statewide champion of the Ninth Annual PDFNJ’s Shout Down Drugs Prevention Concert. On Thursday, May 23, thirty-three New Jersey high school student finalists, representing 15 counties, competed at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, New Jersey.

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NJ 4th Grade Students Featured at Statewide Prevention Artwork Showcase

Over 8,000 fourth grade students from across New Jersey participated in the Fourteenth Annual Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey/Verizon New Jersey Design a Fourth Grade Folder Contest.

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Drugfree.org - One-Fourth of Teens Have Misused or Abused Prescription Drugs at Least Once: Study

One-fourth of teens have misused or abused a prescription drug at least once in their lifetime, a 33 percent increase over the last five years, a new study finds

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Drugfree.Org - Parents: Talk to Your Teens About Drinking Before They Start College

Parents who discuss drinking with their teens before they start college can influence their children’s drinking behavior once they are at school, a new study suggests.

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Study: Random Drug Testing of Middle School Students Proves Effective in Preventing Substance Abuse

ATLANTIC CITY— PDFNJ and Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMind, today, released the results of their six year study of the effectiveness of drug-testing in the prevention of substance abuse among New Jersey middle school students at the statewide Addiction Conference, Atlantic City.

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Yahoo.com - Holder: Marijuana's effect on children a factor

WASHINGTON (AP) -- How it affects children will be one factor the Justice Department weighs as it determines how to respond to the legalization of marijuana in Washington state and Colorado,Attorney General Eric Holder told Congress Thursday.

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Finalists Announced for NJ Shouts Down Drugs Music Competition

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, today, released the finalist list for the 2013 New Jersey Shout Down Drugs Competition(NJSDD), its substance abuse prevention themed music and song writing competition for high school students.

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PDFNJ Seeking Scripts for Television PSA Contest

PDFNJ is calling on NJ middle school students to write, star and produce a television commercial with a substance abuse prevention message for their peers by entering the 14th Annual Middle School Public Service Announcement Challenge (MSPSA).

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Young People Across The World Vote In PDFNJ High School Drug Prevention Music Competition

MILLBURN — Ladies and Gentlemen, the votes are in! The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) announced, today, that Nicole Levine of Essex County is this year’s New Jersey Shout Down Drugs (NJSDD) “Online Voting People’s Choice Finalist.” Levine received the highest vote count of the 110,000 votes cast.

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PDFNJ Executive Director Testifies to the Importance of the Passage of A-2421,

Supporting Revisions to the Parental Consent Law for Surveying Students.

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Ex. Dir. Angelo Valente Contributes to NJ. Dept. of Education's Newsletter

Alcohol use by our children is a significant problem in our state and across the country. As a father of three and the Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug–Free New Jersey, (PDFNJ) for the past eighteen years, it is startling to realize that 46 percent of New Jersey children in the seventh and eighth grades have experimented with alcohol.

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Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Mourns the Passing of Riley Regan

MILLBURN -- The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) sadly mourns the passing of Riley Regan, the first Executive Director of the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (GCADA) and a lifelong, outspoken advocate for the field of substance abuse prevention and treatment.

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PDFNJ to Lead National Event to Raise Awareness of Prescription Drug Abuse in NJ

On November 10, 2012, a historic and lifesaving event --- The American Medicine Chest Challenge(AMCC) --- a public health initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse will be held in communities throughout New Jersey.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Stresses Link Between Rx Abuse and Heroin Abuse at GCADA Taskforce Hearing in Camden

In 2007, PDFNJ knew, that 70% of people who were abusing Rx drugs were obtaining them from the medicine cabinets of friends and relatives. At that point PDFNJ knew this important statistic had to be shared -- and we dedicated all of our resources to disseminating this important information to all NJ residents. PDFNJ created a simple message with an image of a Grandmother – alerting residents that there may be a "stash" of potentially life threatening substances in their medicine cabinets.

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US Attorney’s Office Announces “The Right Prescription for New Jersey”

US Attorney Paul Fishman, center, launched the Right Prescription for New Jersey today along with, l-r, , Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, DEA-NJ Special Agent-in-Charge Brian Crowell, Christopher Cerf, New Jersey Commissioner of Education, and NJ State Commission of Investigation Chairman, Patrick Hobbs.

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PDFNJ Joins Medicine Abuse Project (MAP)

The Medicine Abuse Project is a unifying campaign that brings together families, communities, industry, health care professionals, educators, law enforcement and government officials to curb teen medicine abuse, and ultimately save lives. The campaign launches during the week of September 23-29, 2012

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In Memoriam, William F. Faherty

William F. Faherty 1926-2012, PDFNJ Board Trustee

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Colorado: 74% of Teens in Treatment Used Medical Marijuana

Three-quarters of teenage patients in substance abuse treatment programs in Denver, Colorado said they used someone else’s medical marijuana, according to a new study.

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The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey applauds Governor Christie for mandating treatment for non-violent drug and alcohol dependent offenders with the signing of S-881

PDFNJ applauds Gov. Christie and the NJ legislature for their keen understanding of the complex issues of substance abuse and addiction. Through this legislation, which the Gov. spearheaded, thousands of lives will be saved, and thousands of families will have hope in this second chance provided to their children.

Read More

2012 New Jersey Broadcasters Association Conference

Steve Forbes, CEO of Forbes, Inc., is pictured with Nick Alu, winner of the 2012 New Jersey Shout Down Drugs Competition at the New Jersey Broadcasters Association Conference in Atlantic City. Also pictured from left to right, are the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Director of Media, Angela Conover, and Executive Director, Angelo M. Valente; Nick’s mother Patricia Hutchins, and Paul Rotella, President and CEO of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association.

Angelo Valente on NJTV to Discuss Annual Survey on New Jersey Parents Attitudes

Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for A Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) is featured on NJTV's NJ Today's Nightly News to discuss the release of PDFNJ.s annual Tracking Study of Parent Attitude and Behavior in Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

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PDFNJ Recognizes Nicole Weiner of Marlton

Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey, visited the Helen L. Beeler Elementary School in Marlton, Burlington County, to recognize the participation of school parent Nicole Weiner, in PDFNJ's Fifth Grade Parent Alert initiative, supported by the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey.

Nick Alu Wins the 2012 NJ Shout Down Drugs Music Competition

Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and Kimberly Smith, Regional Director, Community Investment, Comcast, are pictured with the winners of the 2012 New Jersey Shouts Down Drugs Concert. First Place Winner Nicolas Alu, Lacey Township High School, Ocean County, Second Place Winner Joanne Dumerand, Arts High School, Essex County, Third Place Winners Kishawn Jack, Hudson County Prep High School, Hudson County, and the members of The Starving Artists Avery Peterson and Kevin Karol from Rumson-Fair Haven High School, Monmouth County, are pictured left to right. Also pictured is, center, is NJSDD Master of Ceremonies, Patrick Boll, star of the Broadway Hit Mamma Mia.

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AMCC Launches First In the Nation Prescription Drug Prevention Mobile App

Washington DC -- The American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC), the nation’s largest privately funded public health campaign preventing prescription drug abuse, announced today, the release of a mobile app ‘AMCC Rx Drop’ connecting users to the locations of permanent prescription drug collection boxes for the collection of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine.

Read More

PDFNJ Honors Dennis M. Bone at Angel of Hope Gala

Dennis M. Bone, President of Verizon New Jersey, was honored for Verizon New Jersey’s commitment to substance abuse prevention in the State by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) at its 20th Anniversary Angel of Hope Gala. Bone, center, received the Angel of Hope Award at the April 26, 2012 event. He is pictured with, left to right, Steve Pasierb, President, Partnership at DrugFree.Org; Gala Chair John A. Azzarello, PDFNJ Trustee, and partner at Arseneault, Whipple, Fassett & Azzarello, LLP; Tracy Baldwin, Manager, PhRMA; Joseph A. Miele, PDFNJ Chairman; and Angelo M. Valente, PDFNJ Executive Director.

Prescription Drug Abuse Experts Discuss Prevention

A panel with representatives from government, schools, police and nonprofits gathered at Bergen Community College Tuesday to discuss a growing health issue: prescription drug abuse. Forty Americans die each day from overdosing on prescription painkillers, said Angelo Valente, executive director of PDFNJ. One way to prevent these deaths is through education, he said. "Tonight we are doing exactly what we need to do," Valente said. "We are learning about the issue."

Read More

NJ 4th Grade Students Featured At Statewide Prevention Artwork Premier

(NEWARK) – Over 8,000 fourth grade students from across NJ participated in the 13th Annual PDFNJ/Verizon New Jersey Design a Fourth Grade Folder Contest. The students from 4th grade classrooms across NJ were challenged to create peer-to-peer substance abuse prevention messages. The theme of the contest was “Fun Things to do Instead of Doing Drugs.”

Read More

Angelo Valente, PDFNJ Ex. Dir., Discusses the 2012 NJSDD Music Concert

The 2012 New Jersey Shout Down Drugs music concert is scheduled for May 24, 2012 at the Newark PAC. Angelo Valente sits down with Comcast Newsmakers to discuss the NJSDD competition and more.

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National Online Directory of Permanent Prescription Drug Collection Boxes Launched

Washington DC -- The American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC), the nation’s largest privately funded public health campaign preventing prescription drug abuse, announced today, the creation of a national online directory of permanent prescription drug collection boxes for the collection of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine. Currently, the directory includes collection sites in 50 states, including New Jersey. New Jersey currently has permanent collection locations in Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Hunterdon, Morris and Ocean counties.

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2012 PDFNJ Angel of Hope Gala Honoree Announced

PDFNJ is proud to announce that Dennis M. Bone, President of Verizon New Jersey, will be honored at the organization’s Twentieth Anniversary Gala on April 26, 2012, with the Angel of Hope Award.

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NJ Businesses with Drug Free Work Place Policies More Productive and Successful

MILLBURN— Maintaining a drug free workplace policy enables New Jersey businesses to be more productive and more successful, according to a new study released today by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ). The survey was conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMindTM Poll of 300 New Jersey businesses, in December 2011.

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An 'Intervention' in Newark

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) and A&E Television Networks, LLC, hosted a live Town Hall Meeting on prescription drug addiction. Left to Right: John L. Hulick, Acting Executive Director, Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director, PDFNJ; Diane Litterer, Executive Director, New Jersey Prevention Network; Steve Pasierb, President & CEO, The Partnership at Drugfree.org; and Honorable Lawrence Cooper, Board of Trustee Member, PDFNJ.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir., Angelo Valente, presents Edison Leadership Award for Excellence in Public Service

PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo M. Valente presents the Thomas Edison Leadership Award for Excellence in Public Service to Paul S. Rotella, Esq., President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association and Robert Dunphy, Chairman of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey applauds Governor Christie for mandating treatment for non-violent drug and alcohol dependent offenders with the signing of S-881

PDFNJ applauds Gov. Christie and the NJ legislature for their keen understanding of the complex issues of substance abuse and addiction. Through this legislation, which the Gov. spearheaded, thousands of lives will be saved, and thousands of families will have hope in this second chance provided to their children.

Read More

Colorado: 74% of Teens in Treatment Used Medical Marijuana

Three-quarters of teenage patients in substance abuse treatment programs in Denver, Colorado said they used someone else’s medical marijuana, according to a new study.

Read More

2012 New Jersey Broadcasters Association Conference

Steve Forbes, CEO of Forbes, Inc., is pictured with Nick Alu, winner of the 2012 New Jersey Shout Down Drugs Competition at the New Jersey Broadcasters Association Conference in Atlantic City. Also pictured from left to right, are the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Director of Media, Angela Conover, and Executive Director, Angelo M. Valente; Nick’s mother Patricia Hutchins, and Paul Rotella, President and CEO of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association.

Angelo Valente on NJTV to Discuss Annual Survey on New Jersey Parents Attitudes

Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for A Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) is featured on NJTV's NJ Today's Nightly News to discuss the release of PDFNJ.s annual Tracking Study of Parent Attitude and Behavior in Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

Read More

PDFNJ Recognizes Nicole Weiner of Marlton

Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey, visited the Helen L. Beeler Elementary School in Marlton, Burlington County, to recognize the participation of school parent Nicole Weiner, in PDFNJ's Fifth Grade Parent Alert initiative, supported by the Horizon Foundation of New Jersey.

Nick Alu Wins the 2012 NJ Shout Down Drugs Music Competition

Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and Kimberly Smith, Regional Director, Community Investment, Comcast, are pictured with the winners of the 2012 New Jersey Shouts Down Drugs Concert. First Place Winner Nicolas Alu, Lacey Township High School, Ocean County, Second Place Winner Joanne Dumerand, Arts High School, Essex County, Third Place Winners Kishawn Jack, Hudson County Prep High School, Hudson County, and the members of The Starving Artists Avery Peterson and Kevin Karol from Rumson-Fair Haven High School, Monmouth County, are pictured left to right. Also pictured is, center, is NJSDD Master of Ceremonies, Patrick Boll, star of the Broadway Hit Mamma Mia.

Read More

AMCC Launches First In the Nation Prescription Drug Prevention Mobile App

Washington DC -- The American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC), the nation’s largest privately funded public health campaign preventing prescription drug abuse, announced today, the release of a mobile app ‘AMCC Rx Drop’ connecting users to the locations of permanent prescription drug collection boxes for the collection of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine.

Read More

PDFNJ Honors Dennis M. Bone at Angel of Hope Gala

Dennis M. Bone, President of Verizon New Jersey, was honored for Verizon New Jersey’s commitment to substance abuse prevention in the State by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) at its 20th Anniversary Angel of Hope Gala. Bone, center, received the Angel of Hope Award at the April 26, 2012 event. He is pictured with, left to right, Steve Pasierb, President, Partnership at DrugFree.Org; Gala Chair John A. Azzarello, PDFNJ Trustee, and partner at Arseneault, Whipple, Fassett & Azzarello, LLP; Tracy Baldwin, Manager, PhRMA; Joseph A. Miele, PDFNJ Chairman; and Angelo M. Valente, PDFNJ Executive Director.

Prescription Drug Abuse Experts Discuss Prevention

A panel with representatives from government, schools, police and nonprofits gathered at Bergen Community College Tuesday to discuss a growing health issue: prescription drug abuse. Forty Americans die each day from overdosing on prescription painkillers, said Angelo Valente, executive director of PDFNJ. One way to prevent these deaths is through education, he said. "Tonight we are doing exactly what we need to do," Valente said. "We are learning about the issue."

Read More

NJ 4th Grade Students Featured At Statewide Prevention Artwork Premier

(NEWARK) – Over 8,000 fourth grade students from across NJ participated in the 13th Annual PDFNJ/Verizon New Jersey Design a Fourth Grade Folder Contest. The students from 4th grade classrooms across NJ were challenged to create peer-to-peer substance abuse prevention messages. The theme of the contest was “Fun Things to do Instead of Doing Drugs.”

Read More

Angelo Valente, PDFNJ Ex. Dir., Discusses the 2012 NJSDD Music Concert

The 2012 New Jersey Shout Down Drugs music concert is scheduled for May 24, 2012 at the Newark PAC. Angelo Valente sits down with Comcast Newsmakers to discuss the NJSDD competition and more.

Read More

National Online Directory of Permanent Prescription Drug Collection Boxes Launched

Washington DC -- The American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC), the nation’s largest privately funded public health campaign preventing prescription drug abuse, announced today, the creation of a national online directory of permanent prescription drug collection boxes for the collection of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine. Currently, the directory includes collection sites in 50 states, including New Jersey. New Jersey currently has permanent collection locations in Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Hunterdon, Morris and Ocean counties.

Read More

2012 PDFNJ Angel of Hope Gala Honoree Announced

PDFNJ is proud to announce that Dennis M. Bone, President of Verizon New Jersey, will be honored at the organization’s Twentieth Anniversary Gala on April 26, 2012, with the Angel of Hope Award.

Read More

NJ Businesses with Drug Free Work Place Policies More Productive and Successful

MILLBURN— Maintaining a drug free workplace policy enables New Jersey businesses to be more productive and more successful, according to a new study released today by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ). The survey was conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMindTM Poll of 300 New Jersey businesses, in December 2011.

Read More

An 'Intervention' in Newark

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) and A&E Television Networks, LLC, hosted a live Town Hall Meeting on prescription drug addiction. Left to Right: John L. Hulick, Acting Executive Director, Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director, PDFNJ; Diane Litterer, Executive Director, New Jersey Prevention Network; Steve Pasierb, President & CEO, The Partnership at Drugfree.org; and Honorable Lawrence Cooper, Board of Trustee Member, PDFNJ.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir., Angelo Valente, presents Edison Leadership Award for Excellence in Public Service

PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo M. Valente presents the Thomas Edison Leadership Award for Excellence in Public Service to Paul S. Rotella, Esq., President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association and Robert Dunphy, Chairman of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association.