Today is the last day of September and the end of National Recovery Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness of addiction and to support those in recovery. We can reflect on the many initiatives and successes which took place in New Jersey to help end the stigma associated with addiction throughout September.  The awareness generated by this month’s efforts usher us into October and National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. It is also Medicine Abuse Awareness Month and in the latter part of the month we recognize Red Ribbon Week - an alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually in October. All of these efforts provide opportunities to gather additional information on how to prevent substance abuse in your family and community.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is providing a number of free services this month to make access to this important information even easier than before. The 15-Minute Child Break, a free one hour multi-media presentation is available for parents and caregivers in your community. This presentation provides information on current trends, teachable moments, and the importance of communication in prevention substance abuse. On October 22^nd – parents, caregivers, faith leaders and community members are invited to participate in a free 15-Minute Child Break webinar to kick-off Red Ribbon Week, to better understand each person’s role in preventing substance abuse. Two webinars will be held, at 11:30 am and 1 pm, for you to participate in or to encourage the members of your community to participate in. You can register for these webinars here.

Another resource from PDFNJ is the 5^th Grade Parent Alert, sponsored by the Horizon Foundation of New Jersey. You can order prevention materials for the parents of 5^th grade students in your schools or community, without cost, here.

This month brings many opportunities to join in the effort to prevent substance abuse in our state. I hope you will take advantage of some of the opportunities the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is able to provide you, your family and community.