2020 Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Spreads Awareness About the Dangers of Opioids

10/8/2020

2020 Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day
Spreads Awareness About the Dangers of Opioids

Statewide Day of Prevention, Education and Awareness Designated by Governor Murphy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 7, 2020
Contacts: Natalie Golub, 973-382-4560, natalie@drugfreenj.org

MILLBURN — From Atlantic County to Sussex County and from Monmouth County to Hunterdon County – residents, government leaders, addiction professionals, and law enforcement marked the  5th annual Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day. On October 6.

Designated by Governor Murphy as permanent day of prevention education and awareness to shine light on the opioid crisis impacting thousands of New Jersey residents and families, this year’s Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day was held virtually in light of the COVID 19 restrictions, with residents from across the state sharing information and resources electronically via email or social media, coordinating with local officials to issue proclamations, and educating prescribers about the opportunities for continuing education on safe prescribing. 

Governor Murphy and New Jersey Attorney General Grewal both shared Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day messages on their social media pages, along with thousands of state residents.  Social media was alive with activity of posts, tweets, and shared information across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with those sharing messages, stories and information.  Organizations and individuals throughout the state pledged their support of Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day, and showcased ways they are working to raise awarenss and spread the word about New Jersey’s opioid crisis in their community.

“Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day aims to raise awareness and educate New Jersey residents and the community the state’s opioid epidemic,” said Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. “The goal is for the public make the connection between prescription opioids and heroin and fentanyl overdose deaths in our state, as well as, reduce the stigma and encourage support for those in substance use disorder”

Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day in New Jersey, is a statewide project that is created by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ); The Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Addiction Services; and the Community Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Morris, with help from partners across the state.

To learn more about all that Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day and the continued efforts throughout the month of October please visit www.knockoutday.drugfreenj.org

###

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 $100 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 180 advertising and public relations awards from national, regional and statewide media organizations.