The latest findings from the Rutgers-Eagleton Poll reveal significant progress in our collective understanding of how to store and dispose of medications, including opioids, properly. The data shows that 42% of New Jerseyans report being very familiar with these crucial guidelines, and an additional 32% are somewhat familiar. This awareness is critical for preventing medication misuse and ensuring the safety of our communities.

These encouraging numbers are likely a result of stringent state laws requiring medical professionals to educate patients on the risks associated with medications and the continuous efforts by organizations like ours to promote safe disposal methods through public service announcements and the availability of drop boxes.

Despite these positive trends, the poll also highlights that the battle against opioid misuse is far from over. Twenty-nine percent of respondents disclosed that either they or a family member had been prescribed opioids in the past two years. While this number has decreased since 2018, making New Jersey one of the states with the lowest opioid dispensing rates, the persistence of opioid misuse underscores the urgent need for ongoing education and prevention initiatives.

Our focus must remain steadfast on equipping every New Jersey resident with life-saving information about the addictive properties of medications and the critical importance of proper disposal methods. We must also continue to advocate for the use of safer, non-addictive pain management alternatives.

The poll also reveals that 38% of New Jerseyans know someone who has struggled with drug misuse, with higher rates observed in specific demographics and regions. This serves as a sobering reminder of the pervasive impact of these substances.

Our work is far from done. We must continue to strengthen our efforts in education and prevention to ensure a safer future for all New Jerseyans. For more detailed insights, I encourage you to read the full Rutgers-Eagleton Poll results here.