The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is being honored by The Partnership at Drugfree.org with the 2012-2013 Alliance Achievement Award for its innovative and versatile approach getting its message out. (l-r) Steve Cline, Deputy Director of Field Operations, Partnership at Drugfree.org and Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director, Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

For Immediate Release:
December 10, 2013
Matt Scuteri, Media Relations
201-916-1032 (cell) 973-467-2138 (office)
matt@drugfreenj.org

Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Honored by National Affiliate

MILLBURN - The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is being honored with this year’s Alliance Achievement Award from The Partnership at Drugfree.org.

“Since its creation in 1992, The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) has not only maintained its large media presence with the largest pro-bono media campaign in New Jersey valued at more than $70 million,” said Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director , Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. “We also expanded all of our programs without additional costs.”

PDFNJ’s message shines through in its various successful social media initiatives, including the creation of a free Smartphone app to inform residents of all 50 states about the closest disposal sites for unused, expired or unwanted medication. In addition, a study at Rutgers State University of New Jersey concluded that PDFNJ’s American Medicine Chest Challenge campaign inspired a greater likelihood of medicine abuse awareness and prevention various levels of the community.

Valente continued: “A proactive peer-to-peer prevention initiative, “Shout Down to Drugs,” was largely successful in 2013. This music competition garnered 80,000 votes from teens and was aired as a one-hour special on Comcast networks.”

PDFNJ also aided school districts in addressing substance abuse prevention policies and procedures by releasing the findings from a six-year study on the effects of random drug testing in schools.

Dating back more than a decade, The Partnership at Drugfree.org’s Alliance Achievement Award highlights nationwide Alliance Partners who have implemented innovative ways to help increase media support and raise awareness about substance abuse within their communities,” said Steve Cline, Deputy Director of Field Operations for Partnership at Drugfree.org. “Award recipients are recognized for their comprehensive, proactive and creative approaches to supporting drug and alcohol abuse prevention efforts at the local level.”

Cline continued: “The Partnership at Drugfree.org thanks our alliance partners and we extend our congratulations in recognition of your Alliance Achievement Awards.”

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