Blog
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Important New Legislation Addressing the Opioid Epidemic
I am pleased to report that Governor Murphy has signed new legislation addressing the opioid epidemic that continues to ravage our state. The six bills focus on overdose prevention and recovery resilience, while expanding access to medication assisted treatment, strengthening public health and building resiliency among children and families impacted by the crisis.
In 2020, more than 3,000 people died of a drug overdose in New Jersey.
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How You Can Help Fight the Opioid Epidemic
Last week, I had the opportunity to discuss in an article for Newsbreak the opioid epidemic and how the efforts of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey are helping to make progress to address this crisis that is plaguing our state and the nation.
In New Jersey, more than 3,000 people died of a drug overdose in 2020. That is 3,000 deaths too many, but a number that has held steady since 2019. The goal of PDFNJ is to prevent opioid addiction before it even starts and hopefully save lives.
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A Step in The Right Direction in the Vaping Epidemic
E-cigarette manufacturer Juul recently settled a lawsuit with the state of North Carolina, agreeing to pay the state $40 million and pledging to take action in preventing underage use and sales.
This first-of-its-kind case is just the beginning as nine other states have filed their own lawsuits against Juul. Additionally, 275 school boards across the country, including the Paterson and Freehold School districts in New Jersey, have filed a class action lawsuit against Juul for engaging in marketing that targets young people. They are looking to force Juul to cover the costs associated for extra substance abuse counselors, vaping detection devices and health education discouraging vaping.
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Let’s All Celebrate The Fourth of July
This weekend we will celebrate the Fourth of July and American Independence. It has been a year like no other and I hope that you are able to take time and safely celebrate with family and friends.
The Fourth commemorates the birth of our nation and the sacrifices our forefathers made to give us the freedom that makes our country so great. All of us at the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey would like to give thanks to our American veterans and those who are currently serving our nation, who selflessly protected our freedoms in the past and today.
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Secure Your Medicine Chest
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has revealed that more than 60 percent of opioid painkillers prescribed to surgical patients are not used, and 64 percent of patients in the study said they didn’t even use half of their prescription.
Opioids, including prescription painkillers, heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, killed more than 3,000 New Jersey residents last year. The findings in this study can be used to hopefully provide doctors with valuable information in efforts to reduce the prescribing of opioids and save lives.
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Summer of 2021 Is Going to Be Filled with Family Fun!
The first official day of summer is June 21, and the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) is kicking off the season with a new summer promotion, #FamilyDayNJ!
#FamilyDayNJ is as simple as what it says! Go out with your families, spend time together and see and do all the best things New Jersey has to offer. The goal is to bring families together by participating in healthy and engaging activities.
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2021 Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards
The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) had the opportunity to take part in the National Association of Government Communicators Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards virtual ceremony. The Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards recognize excellence in government communications at all levels across the nation and is one of the most prestigious awards any communicator can receive. This year, there were 255 entries submitted in 35 categories.
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Staying Informed - Marijuana Legalization
Last week, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) held a virtual ceremony to recognize all of the finalists in our Fourth Grade Folder Contest and their substance use prevention artwork with to the theme “Fun Things to do Instead of Doing Drugs.” More than 1,000 students from across New Jersey entered the contest this year, and we were thrilled to be able to showcase the work of 33 finalists. The virtual ceremony, held May 12, allowed parents and family members to view pre-recorded messages from the finalists as they explained the inspiration for their artwork.
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Happy Memorial Day
As we are all getting ready to observe Memorial Day this upcoming weekend, I wanted to take a moment to recognize the sacrifice that our brave servicemen and women have made and remember the heroes who have courageously lost their lives to keep our country safe.
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Fourth Grade Folder Contest
Last week, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) held a virtual ceremony to recognize all of the finalists in our Fourth Grade Folder Contest and their substance use prevention artwork with to the theme “Fun Things to do Instead of Doing Drugs.” More than 1,000 students from across New Jersey entered the contest this year, and we were thrilled to be able to showcase the work of 33 finalists. The virtual ceremony, held May 12, allowed parents and family members to view pre-recorded messages from the finalists as they explained the inspiration for their artwork.