FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 20, 2024
Contacts: Lisa Batitto, news@drugfreenj.org
 

Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Announces Radio PSAs for "Eat. Hug. Love." Campaign
 

MILLBURN, NJ — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) has expanded its Public Service Campaign, "Eat. Hug. Love.," with the launch of new radio public service announcements (PSA) now available statewide. These 15-, 30-, and 60-second spots emphasize the importance of family bonding through simple activities like watching a movie together with popcorn, aiming to nurture healthier family dynamics and improve youth mental health.

"At a time when young people face numerous challenges and pressures, 'Eat. Hug. Love.' offers practical ways for parents to create positive and supportive family environments," said Angelo Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ. "By introducing these radio PSAs, we are ensuring that our message reaches even more families across New Jersey, emphasizing the importance of spending quality time together."

Initially launched in January, the campaign features PSAs that guide parents in creating a nurturing environment for their children. In addition to movie nights, the campaign includes messages promoting daily expressions of love, phone-free family meals to foster better communication and daily hugs.

The messaging aligns with Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy's recent Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, which reports that teens who use social media extensively are susceptible to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. The campaign underscores the importance of face-to-face interactions and strong family connections in offsetting the adverse effects of digital overexposure.

To ensure a wide-reaching impact, the public service announcements will continue to be featured on New Jersey Transit buses and trains, PATH trains, bus shelters, light rail lines, posters, web banners, and billboards throughout the state. For more information about the campaign, visit www.drugfreenj.org.

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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.