Blog
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Girls and Women Are Greatly Impacted by the Prescription Drug Epidemic Ravaging Our State
When we think about those individuals impacted by the prescription drug epidemic we don't often think about its impact on young women as much as men, however, the alarming statistics provided by a recent report from the CDC highlight just how serious a problem this is for both men and women.
This stigma continues to stifle efforts to seek immediate professional help for those who are suffering from the disease of addition...if you know that your daughter, sister, wife, mother, or any other woman in your life needs assistance, contact the helpline at 800-238-2333 today.
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Happy Thanksgiving from the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey
On behalf of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's staff and Board of Trustees, we want to share our appreciation and thankfulness to each of you for all that you do throughout the year to support our mission. We wish each of you and your families a happy and joyful Thanksgiving.
T is for the trust the pilgrims had so many years ago
H is for the harvest the settlers learnt to grow
A is for America, the land in which we live
N is for nature and beauty which she gives
K is for kindness, gentle words, thoughtful deeds
S is for smiles, the sunshine everyone needs
G is for gratitude... our blessings big and small
I is for ideas, letting wisdom grow tall
V is for voices, singing, laughing, always caring
I is for Indians, who taught them about sharing
N is for neighbors, across the street, over the sea
G is for giving of myself to make a better meby Judith A. Lindberg
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Surgeon General Releases First-Ever Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health
Yesterday, the United States Surgeon General issued the Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health. This report is extremely significant as it is the first time in our country’s history that a Surgeon General has addressed the issue of substance abuse in such a prominent manner. In fact, the Surgeon General identified substance abuse as the #1 public health issue facing America.
As many of you remember, PDFNJ along with Sens. Menendez and Booker, hosted Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, Surgeon General of the United States, in New Jersey as part of his “Turn the Tide” tour addressing the opiate epidemic. During his visit, Surgeon General Murthy spoke about the fact that nearly 50% of his day is spent developing a response to the issue of substance abuse and its devastating impact on each and every community in NJ and throughout the country. We are very fortunate that the Surgeon General has committed his office to raising awareness about this important public health issue and challenging all of us to be part of the solution and help save lives.
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National Speaker to Headline PDFNJ's 2nd Annual Breakfast for Families and Communities Impacted by Opiate Abuse
PDFNJ will be hosting its 2nd Annual Breakfast for Families and Communities Impacted by the Opiate Epidemic on Friday, November 18th at the Middlesex County Fire Academy in Sayreville, New Jersey.
This event is building on the success of last year's standing room-only breakfast that provided NJ families an opportunity to learn the science behind the opiate epidemic that is impacting every community in our state. Building on this theme, we are pleased to announce that Julie Stancliff, D.O., a psychiatrist with over 20 years’ experience in intensive inpatient and outpatient addiction and psychiatric treatment, will be this year's keynote speaker. Dr. Stancliff will discuss the latest scientific developments in medically assisted treatment options including the success of VIVITROL, (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension), and its effectiveness in the treatment of prevention of relapse to opioid dependence following opioid detox.
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Take the Civic Challenge Pledge and Win Tickets to Hamilton! Only 4 Days Left!
The Citizens Campaign, a NJ non-profit, is challenging all NJ residents to take the Civic Challenge Pledge today. Taking the Pledge and joining your fellow citizens in the Civic Challenge moves our communities and our country onto the powerful path of practical problem solving, getting us out of the rut of rigid ideology and blame game politics.
By clicking here to take the pledge by 11:59pm on Sunday, October 30th you will automatically be entered into a drawing to win two orchestra seats for the Tony award winning best musical, Hamilton. Now, more than ever, citizens throughout our state need to become involved in creating solutions for the communities we live and work in.
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Community in Crisis Launches New Website and PSA Campaign
I am pleased to share this week’s blog with Clodette Sabatelle member of the Board of Trustees of Community in Crisis, Liberty Corner, NJ.
By Clodette Sabatelle
Volunteers of the Community in Crisis movement announce the launch of their website, www.communityincrisis.org, a much anticipated and needed resource that provides impartial information surrounding addiction and mental health resources, support groups, latest news, tips and facts. The website is a culmination of two years of work and research, assimilating data and materials to present one central ‘go to’ for individuals and families in crisis, from advice for those struggling with their own or a loved one’s addiction to basic facts on the signs and symptoms of substance use disorder that every parent should know.
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Knock Out Opiate Abuse Day was a Success!
From Cumberland to Bergen and Sussex to Camden, the Knock Out Opiate Abuse Day message was received in communities and prescriber offices across the state today. Thanks to all of your efforts, we have taken significant steps to raise awareness about the opiate abuse epidemic impacting New Jersey.
Click the read more link to see photos sent to us from volunteers throughout New Jersey.
Thank you again for all of your efforts!
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Tomorrow is the Big Day!
Tomorrow is Knock Out Opiate Abuse Day in NJ. 2,000 volunteers in every corner of our state will be making history.
The newjerseyhills.com editorial below says it all. A meaningful tribute to each and every Knock Out Opiate Abuse Day volunteer.
…WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE
EDITORIAL: It's time to knock it out
Opiate abuse may be the most under-publicized health epidemic facing our state and country.
The prevalence of addiction to pain-killers hits close to home, affecting many of your neighbors, friends and even family members across the Watchung Hills region. Just look at all the people lined up at the local Walgreens, CVS and other pharmacies.
So a group of concerned stakeholders is doing something about it. And they will have their voices heard loud and clear this week.
On Thursday in Long Hill Township, a team of volunteers will canvas local neighborhoods in a concerted effort to “Knock Out Opiate Abuse.”
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Volunteers to Make House Calls to Doctors About Opioids
As I have discussed many times in this blog; stemming the tide of the opiate abuse epidemic impacting New Jersey cannot be done without all members of the community. October 6, 2016 is the date designated as New Jersey’s Knock Out Opiate Abuse Day. Every single resident can get involved, help raise awareness, and make a difference. Be part of this statewide single-day initiative that will mobilize the prevention and treatment communities, community leaders, and concerned citizens and families to raise awareness of the potential for dependency on prescribed pain medicine and its link to heroin abuse rates in our state. Join with the 2,000 volunteers who have already signed-up to be part of New Jersey’s Knock Out Opiate Abuse Day.
Please share this with family and friends that would want to join this lifesaving effort.
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We STILL Need You!
Don’t forget to register and volunteer for Knock Out Opiate Abuse Day on October 6th!
As the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey continues its mission to prevent the abuse of opioids I have spoken to many parents, community leaders, and concerned residents who ask me a very similar question, “What can I do to help stop the spread of the opiate abuse epidemic?” Or, “I want to do something to get involved, what can I do?” These questions were, in part, a springboard for the launch of the statewide Knock Out Opiate Abuse Day.
On October 6, 2016 every resident of New Jersey, who has as little as one hour to spare, can help knock out opiate abuse in their community.
Volunteers will be provided with materials to share in their community; either by leaving an awareness message on the doorknobs of their neighbors’ homes, or by visiting a local prescriber to share a resource guide on safer prescribing and information for preventing and treating addiction.
Every one of us can make a difference by sharing information and raising awareness to prevent opiate abuse. No family or community is immune. I hope you consider volunteering to help make a difference on October 6th. Additional information is available on the Knock Out Opiate Abuse Day website.