For Immediate Release:
December 16, 2013
Matt Scuteri, Media Relations
201-916-1032 (cell) 973-467-2138 (office)
matt@drugfreenj.org

Heroin Abuse Highlighted on Fox News' Geraldo At Large

The heroin abuse epidemic gripping Monmouth and Ocean Counties took center stage on primetime television last Saturday night.

Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey was featured on Fox News' Geraldo At Large to discuss the heroin abuse epidemic along with Angela Cicchino, a recovering heroin addict.

“If 107 dolphins washed up on the shore of Ocean County, we would certainly be spending endless hours and putting all the resources we had into finding out why these dolphins were laying on the beaches,” Valente noted, in reference to Ocean County’s 107 reported overdose deaths, more than double the statistic from last year. “We all have to be looking at the reasons and trying to find the solutions to this devastating problem. But we know that parental involvement is one way to start that.”

Valente went on to say that he hoped that the segment, which was broadcast to national audience would bring about positive societal change with heroin abuse.

“Many people feel that the heroin abuse epidemic won’t affect won’t affect them or their kids,” said Valente after the broadcast. “I think this national exposure will make parents re-think their beliefs about heroin and inspire them to have potentially life saving conversations with their children.”