The CDC recently reported that drug overdose deaths in the United States topped 100,000 annually for the first time during the 12-month period ending in April 2021. I read about these statistics in a New York Times article and followed up with a Letter to the Editor. While most states saw an upward trend, New Jersey was one of three states that did not.

Furthermore, a recent statewide survey conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University Poll, with support from the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ), found that 59 percent of New Jerseyans would prefer to receive a non-opioid pain reliever, such as Aleve or Tylenol, than be prescribed an opioid. The survey also found that 71 percent of respondents recall their doctor discussing the potential risks of opioids with them. 

The poll demonstrated how residents in our state are empowered and knowledgeable about the opioid epidemic and how they can help protect themselves. It is more important than ever that we raise awareness of the dangers of prescription opioids and hopefully save lives.

All the best, 
Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ

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New York Times Letter to the Editor:

I read with grave concern but with a glimmer of hope the November 17 article, “Overdose Deaths Reached Record High as the Pandemic Spread.” While most of the country experienced unimaginable increases in the loss of Americans to the opioid epidemic, New Jersey and two other states showed different results. What has New Jersey done differently? New Jersey was the first state to require prescribers to have conversations with patients and parents warning of the addictive qualities of opioid prescriptions while providing non-opioid alternatives. 

New Jersey has led the nation in educating medical professionals on safe prescribing with an emphasis on non-opioid options, while simultaneously distributing record numbers of Narcan to residents. New Jersey was the first state to organize a comprehensive take-back day to safely dispose of unused medicines. New Jersey’s provocative opioid awareness campaign has won national awards and its long-running town halls and learning series webinar have drawn thousands of participants. We as a state will not stop working until every life is saved.