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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.
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New Legislation to Deter Substance Use Disorder Treatment Centers from Patient Brokering Passes NJ Assembly
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge throughout New Jersey and the nation, and unfortunately, the opioid crisis continues to grow more dire as well. Suspected overdoses are up 42 percent in May. Sadly, there have been individuals who have been exploiting those with substance use disorder for profit during these trying times.
Health care providers and insurance companies have been making efforts to better connect those who need treatment with the services they need. However, this has created an opportunity for fraud. Individuals, posing as recruiters, have profited by receiving commission or a fee for referring patients to facilities by using bribery, promising gifts, money, all-expense-paid travel, food and even drugs to potential patients. Thankfully, last week New Jersey passed legislation to combat this patient brokering fraud.
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The Importance of Emotional Wellness During COVID-19
This week’s guest blogger, Jamie Angelini, is the Director of Consumer Services at the Mental Health Association New Jersey. She provides important information on emotional wellness through the COVID-19 pandemic. This time of uncertainty coupled with isolation due to social distancing can cause stress, anxiety and depression. We welcome Jaime’s professional insights that she shares with us below.
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A New Synthetic Opioid Causing Major Concern
The opioid epidemic continues to rage throughout the country in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Isotonitazene (ISO), a new synthetic opioid more powerful than fentanyl, may be contributing to the addiction crisis and causing increasing overdose deaths in the United States. According to a new report, ISO is causing approximately 40-50 overdose deaths a month in 2020, compared with about six per month last summer.
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Happy Fourth of July!
This weekend will usher in the Fourth of July. We celebrate the birth of our nation and recognize the sacrifices our forefathers made to give us the freedom that makes our country so great.
This 4th will be like no other that we have celebrated. We hope that you will take time to celebrate this special day with family in and friends in a fun and festive manner as we continue to practice safe social distancing measures.
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Dual-Prescribing of Naloxone and Opioid Prescriptions Is Critical During the Pandemic
Last month, New Jersey Attorney General Grewal announced that New Jersey physicians, dentists and other healthcare practitioners who prescribe opioids for the management of chronic pain must also prescribe the opioid antidote naloxone to certain at-risk patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) recognizes and appreciates this important decision. Co-prescribing these prescriptions will give individuals and their families access to the life-saving antidote to reverse an opioid overdose.
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Family Time is a Vital Way to Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Father’s Day is coming up this Sunday. For families, especially fathers, who are not able to be home as often, the COVID-19 pandemic may have presented an opportunity to spend additional time together. As a father of one college-aged daughter as well as two in high school, I have been grateful for the unexpected extra time spent with them. A recent Harvard study has found that 70 percent of fathers said they are feeling closer to their kids during the pandemic, and more than half said their children are opening up and sharing more about their feelings with them.
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FED UP!
One year ago, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced a lawsuit against the Sackler Family, founders of Purdue Pharma, maker of OxyContin. Through the litigation and the proposed settlements Purdue Pharma filed for bankruptcy in September. Those who believe they or a family member has just cause to file a claim against Purdue Pharma can do so before July 30.
This week’s guest blogger, Emily Walden, Chair at FED UP!, provides important information on how a family can join the lawsuit against Purdue Pharma. She is urging anyone to file a claim if they believe they have just cause. See her blog below to find more information.