At the National Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Atlanta, which took place April 1-4, we shared and gained insights on combating the opioid crisis. This event drew a diverse group of attendees from across the country and underlined the value of collaboration in addressing this complex issue.

(from left) PDFNJ Dir. of Special Events Matt Birchenough & PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo Valente

Our presentation at the Summit's poster session focused on Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day, which galvanizes thousands of New Jersey volunteers who spread awareness about how to prevent opioid misuse. This initiative is supported by the Governor's Council on Substance Use Disorder, among others.

We also shared information about our Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series, which began in 2020 amidst the pandemic. This initiative has grown significantly since then, providing thousands of healthcare providers and individuals with expert advice on how to prevent and treat opioid misuse.

The Summit reinforced our dedication to equipping communities with the knowledge and tools for informed decisions about pain management and opioid use. Ensuring patients and providers have the right information and resources is vital to safely navigating these issues.