Blog
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Vaping and COVID
We are six months into the COVID-19 pandemic, and researchers are beginning to understand more about how vaping and smoking increases the ability of COVID-19 to spread and cause severe symptoms. It is widely known that vaping poses significant health risks, and during the pandemic things are even more dangerous.
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Free Naloxone Distribution and Other September News
As summer has come to a close and we have entered September, I just wanted to remind everyone that this month is National Recovery Month, which celebrates the gains made by those in recovery and aims to shed a light and educate Americans that those recovering from addiction can lead healthy and rewarding lives.
I am also pleased to learn this month that Governor Murphy announced New Jersey will provide naloxone, the opioid overdose antidote, free to residents from September 24-26 at participating pharmacies throughout the state. Residents can obtain free naloxone at 322 participating pharmacies without an appointment, no prescription or need to provide a name.
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Join Us on October 6 for Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day
Governor Murphy officially designated October 6 as Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day in New Jersey, a statewide project that is created by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ); The Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Addiction Services; and the Community Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Morris, with help from partners across the state. With about three weeks to go until the 5th annual Knock Out Day, I wanted to urge all of you get involved in this important day that helps to spread awareness of the dangers of prescription opioids and actions that can be taken to protect families and communities from addiction.
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Guest Blog: Life Lessons During COVID-19
This week’s guest blogger, Donna DeStefano is the Founder and CEO of P.I.C.K. Awareness, (Parents In Connection for Kids Inc.) a non-profit organization that is a prevention, treatment and recovery resource for parents, children and professionals who are seeking information and strategies on substance use disorders, mental health, suicide and general wellness.
She shares some insights into navigating through our lives during this difficult time and explains some of the things she has been working on during the pandemic.
I also wanted to make you aware of an expansion to New Jersey’s prescription monitoring program that is streamlining the access for prescribers to access patients’ medical records and see their opioid prescription history instantly. Be sure to read more about it here.
All the best,
Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ -
New Jersey Shout Down Drugs Winners Share Their Insights into the Competition
In this week’s blog week we hear from two winners of the New Jersey Shout Down Drugs music competition, which challenges high school students to create their own original music and lyrics that showcase powerful substance abuse prevention messages.
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A Teacher and Students Share Their Experiences Taking Part in PDFNJ’s Middle School PSA Challenge
Throughout the month of August, we have turned our blog over to some of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) school-based initiative participants, so they can share their firsthand experiences with our programs.
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This Year’s Fourth Great Folder Contest Winners Share Their Insights into the Program
Throughout the month of August, we have turned our blog over to some of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) school-based initiative participants, so they can share their firsthand experiences with our programs.
Each year fourth grade students are challenged to create prevention artwork relating to the theme “Fun Things to Do Instead of Doing Drugs.” This week we are hearing from Channing Jervis of Secaucus and Wade Bullard of Lawrenceville, who were selected as co-winners of this years Fourth Grade folder contest. Their designs will be featured on folders that will be distributed to fourth grade classrooms throughout the state.
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A Teacher’s Perspective on the Third Grade Life Choices Coloring & Activity Book
Throughout the month of August, we have turned our blog over to some of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) school-based initiative participants, so they can share their firsthand experiences with our programs.
This week we are hearing from Nadine Galasso, a third-grade teacher from Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Union City. She shared her experience as an educator and the reactions from her students to PDFNJ’s Third Grade Life Choices Coloring & Activity Book that is made possible through a generous grant from the PSEG Foundation.
If you are interested in receiving the 2021 Third Grade Activity Book for your classroom, please be sure to fill out the online form today. Additionally, the 2020 Activity Book can also be immediately downloaded on our website as well.
Thank you and continue to stay safe and well.
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Silver Linings Story Participant Shares his Thoughts About the Program
Throughout the month of August, we have turned our blog over to some of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) school-based initiative participants, so they can share their firsthand experiences with our programs.
This week we are hearing from Adam Carbone, a student who just finished first grade at Washington Elementary School in Wyckoff. Adam shared with us his thoughts on our Silver Linings Stories Campaign that asked students to share positive stories, habits or rituals they have discovered during this time at home.
Thank you and continue to stay safe and well.
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Senator Bucco Calls to Establish Overdose Awareness Day in New Jersey
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic is causing a rise in overdose deaths throughout New Jersey and the entire country. Overdose deaths are up 20 percent this year over the same time period in 2019. Due to this increased spike, Senator Anthony M. Bucco is calling to designate August 31 as Overdose Awareness Day in New Jersey on a local, county, and state level.
International Overdose Awareness Day, held August 31 each year, aims to raise awareness of overdoses and reduce the stigma of drug-related death. It is also a day to acknowledge the grief felt by family and friends, who remember loved ones that died or were permanently injured due to a drug overdose.