FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 27, 2023
Contacts: Lisa Batitto, news@drugfreenj.org

PDFNJ Calls Upon Students to Take a Stand
Against Substance Abuse During Red Ribbon Week
 

MILLBURN, NJ — In recognition of National Red Ribbon Week, which runs through October 31, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey encourages students across the state to participate in programs that promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. 

"The Red Ribbon isn't just a symbol; it's a call to action,” said Angelo Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ. “We ask students to join hands with us and make a meaningful impact in our state. Together, we can inspire a drug-free future and empower our youth to make positive choices."

One PDFNJ initiative is the 2023-24 Fourth Grade Folder Contest, which accepts entries until December 7. This annual competition invites students to showcase their creativity by illustrating the theme, "Fun Things to Do Instead of Doing Drugs." The winning artwork will be featured on 40,000 school folders distributed to New Jersey schools at the beginning of the academic year. A classroom poster displaying the finalists' artwork will also be included.

PDFNJ has also launched its 20th annual Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs New Jersey competition, designed to resonate with high school students passionate about music. This contest encourages youth to compose an original piece that revolves around the central theme of substance use prevention. The contest celebrates the diversity and potency of music; all genres and voices are welcome. Entries for this competition must be submitted by Sunday, March 24, 2024, to be considered eligible. Prizes are awarded to the first, second and third-place winning songs.

For rules and entry details about the Shout Down Drugs competition, visit shoutdowndrugs.com. For more information about the Fourth Grade Folder Contest, please visit www.drugfreenj.org/4thgraderules.

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Best known for its statewide substance use prevention advertising campaign, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is a private not-for-profit coalition of professionals from the communications, corporate and government communities whose collective mission is to reduce demand for illicit drugs in New Jersey through media communication. To date, more than $200 million in broadcast time and print space has been donated to the Partnership’s New Jersey campaign, making it the largest public service advertising campaign in New Jersey’s history. Since its inception, the Partnership has garnered 226 advertising and public relations awards from national, regional and statewide media organizations.