In 2016, more than 42,000 people in the United States died of an opioid overdose. As stunning and tragic as that figure is, the final death total for 2017 is expected to be higher. New Jersey has not been spared from this crisis, which has claimed nearly 2,000 lives in the state so far this year.

On Oct. 6, volunteers will lead an effort to help protect families and communities from the tragedies of overdose and addiction. Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day is a project of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. Freedom House staff, clients and volunteers will be a part of the statewide single-day initiative to distribute vital information about the potential for dependency on prescribed opioids and their link to heroin use.

The effort will have a dual focus, educating physicians and raising awareness among residents and families.

Many people are still unaware of the link between prescription opioids and heroin abuse. A 2016 Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey study found nearly one in three parents of middle school students do not think there is a link between painkillers prescribed for things like sports injuries and wisdom tooth removal and the rising use of heroin. Less than 50 percent of parents of middle schoolers said they are knowledgeable about heroin.

Please join us on Oct. 6. Anyone looking to volunteer alongside the staff and clients of Freedom House should contact Dawn Knill, director of marketing and development at 908-617-5492 or dknill@freedomhousenj.org for details.