Just the Facts

In just 5 days, opioid dependency can begin.

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In the Emergency Room

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 100 times more powerful than morphine, has become the deadliest drug in America’s opioid epidemic.

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In the Home

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey provides resources and information for New Jersey families to take steps to prevent substance abuse in their homes.

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In the Doctor's Office

PDFNJ and The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey recently launched a one-hour continuing medical education webinar, “Do No Harm: Exploring Strategies for Safer Prescribing of Opioids.” It is designed to satisfy the NJ one hour continuing education requirement concerning prescription opioids.

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In the Workplace

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey provides free training to small and mid-sized business to assist them in creating drug-free workplace policies.

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In the Schools

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey provides opportunities for students in the third grade through high school to participate in substance abuse prevention activities and contests throughout the year. Please follow the "read more" link to explore our 4th Grade Folder Contest.

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In the Community

Register for upcoming Learning Series webinars with a focus on the opioid epidemic.

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  • Just the Facts
  • In the ER
  • In the Home
  • In the Doctor's Office
  • In the Workplace
  • In the Schools
  • In the Community

Happening at PDFNJ

REGISTER - 2025 Opioid Webinar Series

Register for upcoming opioid awareness webinars or view previous learning series webinars. Additionally, "Prescriber Education" designed to satisfy the NJ one hour CME requirement is available through this link.

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Know the Risks of Marijuana

Marijuana use among all adult age groups, both sexes, and pregnant women is going up. At the same time, the perception of how harmful marijuana use can be is declining.

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Parents Matter

NJ kids are more stressed out than ever.... learn how to help.

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Students Invited to Showcase Musical Talent in Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs Competition

MILLBURN, NJ — High school musicians across New Jersey are invited to use their talents to create original songs with impactful messages about the dangers of impaired driving. The 22nd annual "Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs New Jersey!" competition is open for entries until February 1, 2026. The winner will be awarded a $5,000 music contract and will have the opportunity to share their song and message across the state during the upcoming year.

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njbiz.com - Free PDFNJ webinar explorers risk of high potency marijuana

Program will address the effects of marijuana on youth and in the workplace.

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Your Song! Your Voice! Winner Martin Rojas Ortiz Performs at Red Ribbon Day

Your Song! Your Voice! winner Martin Rojas Ortiz performed his prevention song “Bruno” at Red Ribbon Day in Cranford on October 11. Pictured: Martin with Kelley Ryan, Director of Community Prevention at Prevention Links, and Angelo Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ.

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trentondaily.com - "NJ Unites Against a Crisis: Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Set for October 6"

NJ is presenting a united front against the opioid epidemic as communities across the state gear up for the annual Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day on Monday, October 6.

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New Jersey Unites for Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day

TRENTON - New Jersey residents are coming together today for Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day, a statewide initiative aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of prescription opioid misuse and the growing threat of illicit drugs like fentanyl. This annual observance is spearheaded by PDFNJ in collaboration with the Governor’s Council on Substance Use Disorder, the New Jersey Department of Human Services, and local coalitions and communities.

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Healthy Aging Summit Highlights Urgent Need for Safer Pain Management

ATLANTIC CITY — The first-ever NJ Healthy Aging Summit, convened by the PDFNJ in partnership with the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, was held in Atlantic City on Friday, September 26. The event brought together 500 older adults, caregivers, and healthcare and social service professionals to hear from nationally recognized experts about the risks associated with the misuse of opioid pain relievers by older adults.

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roi-nj.com - Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey wins big at Jersey Awards

PDFNJ earned top honors at the 57th Annual Jersey Awards, receiving two first-place awards for its nonprofit public service campaigns.

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PDFNJ Earns Top Honors at the Jersey Awards

PDFNJ earned top honors at the 57th Annual Jersey Awards, receiving two first-place awards for its nonprofit public service campaigns. The event, held on Wednesday, September 17, was organized and judged by the New Jersey Ad Club, the state’s largest association representing advertisers, marketers, media, and public relations professionals.

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Healthy Aging Summit Spotlights Opioid Safety & Alternatives for Older Adults

A conference later this month will examine the keys to healthy aging and the challenges that prescribed opioids and opioid dependency pose to the older adult population. "NJ Healthy Aging Summit: Opioid Safety & Alternatives" will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, September 26, at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City.

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Bookmarks Remind Students to Stay Drug-Free

MILLBURN, NJ—When 40,000 fourth-grade students across New Jersey return to school, they’ll find an important message in their books encouraging them to stay drug-free, thanks to PDFNJ's "Fun Things to Do Instead of Doing Drugs" bookmark initiative.

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tapinto.net - Piscataway Teen Leads Candlelight Ceremony to Mark International Overdose Awareness Day

Teen activist Tanvi Narava organized a candlelight vigil mark International Overdose Awareness Day on August 7. She also partnered with PDFNJ to create a Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series webinar on overdose intervention.

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thesandpaper.net - High-Potency Marijuana Becoming a Problem

Today's marijuana is more potent than strains in the past. That's the message PDFNJ's new campaign is spreading,

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PDFNJ Represented at National Prevention Conference

PDNJ's Executive Director Angelo M. Valente (left) attended the 2025 National Prevention Network Conference in Washington, D.C., where Rear Admiral Dr. Christopher M. Jones (center) was keynote speaker. New Jersey Prevention Network CEO Diane Litterer (right) was also a speaker on the Wellness Initiative for Senior Education panel. Held August 11–13, the conference focused on “Substance Use Prevention Across the Lifespan.”

PDFNJ Launches Campaign About Dramatic Rise in Marijuana Potency

MILLBURN, NJ — PDFNJ has launched a bold new public awareness campaign urging parents across the state to confront a troubling truth: the illicit marijuana their children have access to today is far more potent than the cannabis they may have encountered as teens.

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valiantceo.com - Resilient Leadership Insights: Angelo M. Valente

Angelo M. Valente, Ex. Dir. of PDFNJ, discusses the importance of being a resilient leader.

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thesandpaper.net - Opioid Abuse Increasing Among Seniors

KOOAD webinar explores the rapidly growing rate of opioid use among senior citizens.

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my9nj.com [VIDEO] - PDFNJ's Angelo Valente Joins NJ Now

PDFNJ’s Angelo Valente discusses the drop in overdose deaths in New Jersey and continuing efforts to address the issue.

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hudsontv.com - St. Francis Academy 3rd Graders Pledge To Live A Healthy Lifestyle

The Partnership For A Drug-Free New Jersey has teamed with the PSE&G Foundation to bring a healthy life choices message to 3rd grade students at Union City’s St. Francis Academy.

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roi-nj.com: Drug-free group honors PSE&G, PSEG Foundation, ex-QB Ray Lucas at gala

PSE&G and the PSEG Foundation were recently honored with the Angel of Hope Award at the 31st Annual Angel of Hope Gala hosted by PDFNJ.

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Webinar to Explore Racial & Ethnic Disparities in Opioid Prevention and Treatment

MILLBURN –The next webinar in the 2025 Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series will focus on addressing the unequal burden of the opioid crisis across racial and ethnic groups. The session is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 12 and is presented by PDFNJ, the Office of Alternative and Community Responses, and the Opioid Education Foundation of America.

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northjersey.com - North Jersey teen wins music contest...

HACKENSACK — Martin Rojas Ortiz, 16, has seen firsthand the dangers of teenage drug and alcohol use.

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PSE&G, PSEG Foundation, and Ray Lucas Honored at PDFNJ Gala

JERSEY CITY—The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) celebrated the contributions of PSE&G, the PSEG Foundation, and former NFL quarterback Ray Lucas at its annual Angel of Hope Gala on Tuesday, May 14, at the Liberty House.

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Hackensack Teen Named Winner of PDFNJ’s “Your Song! Your Voice!” Contest

Millburn, NJ — Hackensack High School student Martin Rojas Ortiz has been named the winner of the 21st Annual Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs music competition. Martin, who is in the 11th grade, earned a $5,000 music contract with the PDFNJ for his original song, “Bruno.”

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Middlesex Co. Students Champions in PDFNJ's Art Contest

MILLBURN, NJ— Adrian Camilo, a student at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Jamesburg, and Madison Gunsch, a student at McDivitt Elementary School in Old Bridge, were named winners of PDFNJ's 2025 Fun Things to Do Instead of Doing Drugs contest.

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Knock Out Opioid Abuse Initiative Brings Powerful Message to Student-Athletes

Glassboro, NJ — High school student-athletes from across New Jersey gathered at Rowan University's Pfleeger Concert Hall on Tuesday for a Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall focused on raising awareness about the dangers of prescription opioid misuse and promoting healthy decision-making among youth.

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Knock Out Opioid Abuse Initiative with Former NFL QB Ray Lucas at Seneca High School

Tabernacle, NJ — Student-athletes at Seneca High School will receive crucial education on the risks of prescription opioids from a quarterback with first-hand knowledge of their devastating impact.

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Finalists Announced for 21st Annual "Your Song! Your Voice!" Competition

PDFNJ has announced the finalists in the 21st annual "Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs" music competition. This statewide initiative encourages high school students to use their musical creativity to raise awareness about substance use prevention and promote healthy lifestyles.

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PDFNJ Names Finalists in 2025 "Fun Things to Do Instead of Drugs" Contest

PDFNJ has announced the finalists for its 2025 "Fun Things to Do Instead of Drugs" contest. The contest highlights students' artistic creativity and inspiring messages, and the grand prize winner’s creation will be showcased on bookmarks distributed throughout the state.

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National Expert Nancy Delogu, Esq. to Discuss Cannabis Law & Court Decisions Impacting NJ

MILLBURN, NJ — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) invites New Jersey businesses to its 25th annual members webinar, “A Legal Update,” at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2025. This free event is part of the PDFNJ's workplace prevention program, Drugs Don't Work in NJ.

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nj1015.com - What's going on? Huge difference in U.S. teen drug and alcohol use

PDFNJ Ex. Dir Angelo M. Valente explains why teen drug and alcohol use continues to decline.

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NJ.com - Hidden victims

Nationally, Essex County and several other New Jersey counties were among the hardest hit by that disparity, with older Black men dying at a pace that far exceeds their share of the population, according to deaths reported to the CDC from 2018 to 2022 that were analyzed by The Baltimore Banner, The New York Times and Stanford University’s Big Local News.

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njspotlightnews.org - Drug deaths decline sharply in NJ

NJ saw a decline in drug-related deaths in 2024

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NJ Voters Favor Social Media Warning Labels

According to the latest results from the FDU Poll, sponsored by PDFNJ and the Opioid Education Foundation of America, both parents and non-parents in the state agree that social media is bad for young people, and favor cigarette-style warning labels. However, parents are less likely to think that social media is bad for the mental health of young people, and less likely to say that it is linked with substance abuse issues.

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6abc.com - Fmr. NFL quarterback Ray Lucas talks to Camden students about dangers of opioid abuse

Former quarterback Ray Lucas talks to students about dangers of opioid abuse at KOOAD event in Camden.

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Communities Across NJ Rally for 9th Annual Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day

MILLBURN, NJ – New Jersey organizations, law enforcement representatives and residents united earlier this month to educate their communities about the opioid epidemic as part of the ninth annual Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day. Spearheaded by PDFNJ, the initiative highlighted the dangers of opioid misuse and empowered residents with critical resources.

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Good Shepherd Academy Student is Grand Prize Winner in Fourth Grade Folder Contest

Adam Idrovo of Good Shepherd Academy in Nutley was one of two grand prize winners of PDFNJ’s 2023-24 Fourth Grade Folder contest. His winning artwork is displayed on 30,000 folders distributed to fourth-grade classes throughout the state. Emily Ortiz of Lafayette Street School in Newark was also selected as a grand prize winner.

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nj1015.com - NJ’s Quest to ‘Knock Out’ Opioid Abuse: Overdose Deaths on the Decline

New Jersey is on track to record a significant decline in drug overdose deaths for 2024, with a 26% drop compared to 2023, as the state prepares to observe Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day on October 6.

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nj.com - N.J. drug overdose deaths drop sharply, latest CDC data shows

While overdose deaths have dropped sharply in New Jersey, the high number of fatalities remains a concern.

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PDFNJ Recognized with Multiple Jersey Awards

CEDAR GROVE, NJ — PDFNJ earned recognition for its efforts to tackle the opioid crisis, earning three 1st place awards and one 2nd place award at the 56th Annual Jersey Awards on September 18. The awards are organized and judged by the New Jersey Ad Club, the largest association in NJ representing advertisers, marketers, media and public relations professionals.

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Essex County Students Emerge as Champions in PDFNJ's Fourth Grade Folder Contest

Emily Ortiz & Adam Idrovo were grand prize winners of PDFNJ’s 2023-24 Fourth Grade Folder contest. Their winning artwork is displayed on 30,000 folders distributed to fourth grade classes throughout the state.

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PDFNJ & PSEG ft. in National USDOJ Newsletter

PDFNJ & PSEG Foundation's "3rd Grade Healthy Life - Healthy Decisions Coloring & Activity Book" featured in U.S. Dept. of Justice's Community Policing Dispatch newsletter

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nj1015.com - "NJ Posts Promising Numbers in Fight Against Opioid Crisis"

Statistics gathered so far suggest New Jersey is on pace to record a significant decline in the number of drug overdose deaths in 2024.

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njspotlightnews.org - NFL veteran warns high school athletes about dangers of opioids

NFL veteran Ray Lucas spoke to students at Jefferson High School, continuing his involvement with PDFNJ's Knock Out Opioid Abuse initiative.

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nj.com - PDFNJ Ex. Dir Angelo M. Valente - "Words Matter"

The language we use can harm or help people struggling with substance use disorders.

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nj1015.com - NJ launches new effort to protect you from impaired drivers

PDFNJ partnered with state agencies on a new initiative that uses pharmacy bags to convey the message that prescription medications can be as dangerous as alcohol when driving.

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NJ to Take on Impaired Driving Through Pharmacy Initiative

A coalition of New Jersey organizations, including the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and the Office of the Attorney General, launched an initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of prescription medications by distributing pharmacy bags with safety messages to over 900 pharmacies statewide.

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PDFNJ & PSEG Foundation Bring Substance Use Prevention Efforts to the Classroom

On June 11, 2024, Angelo Valente, Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Executive Director, and Maria Spina, Manager of the PSE&G Foundation, spoke to third-grade students at Alan B. Shepard Jr. Elementary School in Old Bridge and distributed a Healthy Choices Activity Book.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo M. Valente - Letter to The NY Times

“Has Fentanyl Peaked?” offers a glimmer of hope in the opioid crisis that is ravaging our nation, communities and families.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir Angelo M. Valente - "Education key in opioid war"

Continuing to support and expand prevention programs is essential for maintaining, and even accelerating, the decline in opioid overdose deaths in New Jersey and across the country.

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Barnegat High School's Jordan Ford Wins Top Prize in Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs!

BARNEGAT, NJ—Jordan Ford, a senior at Barnegat High School, clinched first place in the 20th Annual Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs competition, sponsored by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. Ford's winning entry, "Fading," captures the struggles of drug misuse through a deeply personal narrative, earning him a $5,000 music contract.

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PDFNJ’s Angel of Hope Gala Celebrates 30 Years of Collaboration

WWOR-TV/My9; and Paul S. Rotella, Esq., immediate past President and CEO of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association, were honored at the gala for their efforts in raising awareness about the opioid crisis.

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nytimes.com - Overdose Deaths Dropped in U.S. in 2023 for First Time in Five Years

Preliminary numbers released by the CDC show an almost 12% percent decrease in deaths from opioids in New Jersey.

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Essex County Students Emerge as Champions in PDFNJ's 4th Grade Folder Contest

MILLBURN, NJ - Adam Idrovo from Good Shepherd Academy in Nutley and Emily Ortiz from Lafayette Street School in Newark emerged as winners of PDFNJ's 2023-2024 4th Grade Folder Contest. Drawing entries from thousands of fourth graders throughout the state, the competition celebrated young students' creativity in promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles through their artwork. The winners and the other finalists were honored at a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, May 9.

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CONGRATS TO JORDAN FORD! Winner of the 2024 SDD Competition!

MILLBURN, NJ—Original songs from high school students from across New Jersey were broadcast in a virtual concert on May 8, which also served as the finale for the 20th Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs competition. Organized by PDFNJ, the competition highlighted the students' musical talents and dedication to a drug-free lifestyle. The concert attracted about 1,500 listeners who tuned in to support the young artists and listen to their inspiring lyrics.

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nj1015.com - NJ poll: Do you know how to keep drugs out of the wrong hands?

Poll results released on Thursday suggest that opioids are far less common today in New Jersey households compared to years ago, and most residents know best practices when it comes to safeguarding and disposing of potentially dangerous medications.

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nj.com: Why we need the Alternatives to PAIN Act | Opinion

PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo M. Valente discusses dismantling the barriers hindering access to non-opioid pain treatments, particularly for seniors under Medicare Part D. The proposed federal "Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation (Alternatives to PAIN) Act" seeks to build upon "Opioid Patients’ Right to Know Act", a landmark achievement pioneered in NJ.

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pressofatlanticcity.com - Conference on opioids in youth sports held at Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Opioid use among youth athletes continues to increase, according to speakers at an opioid prevention conference held Friday at Golden Nugget Atlantic City.

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njspotlightnews.org [VIDEO] - Focus on combating opioid addiction in youth sports

Combating the opioid crisis in youth sports was the focus of a PDFNJ conference in Atlantic City.

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PDFNJ Conference Tackles Opioid Misuse in Youth Sports

Atlantic City, NJ — PDFNJ, along with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the Opioid Education Foundation of America, hosted the "Keeping New Jersey Youth Athletes Safe" conference at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City on Friday. The event gathered coaches, athletic directors, teachers, school nurses, and others involved in youth sports to discuss the link between athletics and opioid misuse.

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Interview - PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo Valente Speaks to WRNJ About Shout Down Drugs

Students can lend their musical talents to promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle through PDFNJ’s “Your Song! Your Voice Shout Down Drugs” competition.

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PDFNJ’s Opioid Prevention Initiatives Recognized at National Rx Summit

ATLANTA — PDFNJ showcased Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day and the accompanying Learning Series at the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit held this week in Atlanta.

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njspotlightnews.org [VIDEO]: Delving into the connections between addiction & mental health disorders

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's webinar emphasizes the crucial need for integrated treatment of addiction and mental health disorders.

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whyy.org: New Jersey students warned of fentanyl risks during spring break

PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo Valente said awareness about the dangers of fentanyl is rising among teens, but it’s still important for parents to sit down with their kids and talk about it.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo M. Valente's Letter to Yonkers Times

As spring break approaches, college students face a hidden danger: the prevalence of fentanyl-laced street drugs, a lethal issue emphasizing the need for awareness and prevention.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo M. Valente's Letter to NY Times Published This Weekend

The recent New York Times article shedding light on the surge in nighttime pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. underscores a critical and pressing issue: the dangers of driving under the influence of substances like opioids, marijuana, or alcohol.

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Honorable Travis L. Francis Joins PDFNJ Board of Trustees

MILLBURN — The Honorable Travis L. Francis has been named to the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) Board of Trustees.

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PDFNJ Announces 2024 Launch of "Eat. Hug. Love." Campaign

MILLBURN, NJ — In its continued mission to nurture healthier family dynamics and mental wellness among youth, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) has announced the launch of its bilingual 2024 Public Service Campaign, “Eat. Hug. Love.” which aims to foster family bonding and improve youth mental health.

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NJ.com: N.J. drug overdoses poised to fall in 2023 but remain persistently high

New Jersey drug overdose deaths are poised to dip slightly for the second year in a row in a continuing crisis that annually claims the lives of thousands of residents.

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audacy.com: South Jersey prosecutors, hospital systems join forces to prevent opioid addiction

“Educating medical professionals on the risks and proper ways to treat pain and prescribe opioids is crucial to combatting the opioid epidemic our state and country are facing,” PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo Valente said.

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nj.com: Prosecutors team up to fund opioid prescription education for health care providers

Prosecutors in Cumberland, Salem, and Gloucester counties are collaborating with the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) to offer scholarships for opioid prescribing education to healthcare providers.

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[VIDEO] my9nj.com: NJ Now Features Middle School PSA Challenge

2023 Middle School PSA Challenge winner Cameron Parez-Alcalde of Wayne shares the inspiration for his video that encourages young people to embrace a healthy lifestyle.

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Veterans Day Reminder: The Unseen Struggle with PTSD and Addiction

As Veterans Day draws near, we are reminded to pay homage to the brave individuals who serve our nation. This solemn day calls for more than reflection; it demands an acknowledgment of the stark realities many veterans contend with post-service, especially the battles waged against mental health disorders and addiction.

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njspotlightnews.org: Designated medication drop-off locations in NJ

About 53% of people who misuse pain relievers in the United States obtain the medication from friends or relatives. The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is observing its annual American Medicine Chest Challenge National Day of Awareness, emphasizing the importance of safe disposal practices, securing medications, and fostering open discussions about the risks of prescription drug misuse.

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NJ.com - Make the most of national opioid settlement money | Opinion

As New Jersey is set to receive a significant amount of money from the national opioid settlement, the need to respond with a comprehensive and all-encompassing approach has never been greater. Our mission is clear: to alleviate the suffering of those affected, support individuals grappling with opioid use disorder, and reinforce programs that prevent future dependencies and addiction.

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medium.com - Heroes Of The Addiction Crisis: How PDFNJ Is Helping To Battle One of Our Most Serious Epidemics

As a part of our Authority Magazine's series about “Heroes Of The Addiction Crisis,” they had the pleasure of interviewing Angelo M. Valente, Ex. Dir. of PDFNJ.

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High School Students Invited to Share Their Musical Talents in Statewide Competition

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is again striking a powerful chord with its 20th annual Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs New Jersey competition. High school students with a passion for music are invited to compose an original piece centered around a crucial theme: substance use prevention.

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wrnjradio.com - Hunterdon County Commissioner Director Zach Rich Presents Proclamation Recognizing Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day

Hunterdon County Commissioner Director Zach Rich Tuesday presented a proclamation to members of the Hunterdon County Youth Coalition (HCYC) at their monthly meeting identifying Oct. 6th as “Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day” in Hunterdon County

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nj1015.com - Fentanyl infiltrating NJ’s illegal drug market at higher rates

"In many cases, even the local dealers that are selling these drugs are not even aware of what's being put into them," said Angelo Valente, executive director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

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Progress in the Battle Against Opioid Epidemic: NJ Overdoses Decrease

"Although even one life lost is too many, we are very encouraged to see that New Jersey is on track to be among the few states witnessing a decline in opioid-related overdoses over the past year." - Angelo Valente, Executive Director - PDFNJ

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NJ Unites Against a Crisis: 8th Annual Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Set for 10/6

MILLBURN, NJ – New Jersey is presenting a united front against the opioid epidemic as communities across the state gear up for the eighth annual Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day on Friday, October 6th.

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Angelo Valente, PDFNJ Ex. Dir., on the Passing of Marc D’Angiolillo

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of longtime Board Member Marc D’Angiolillo. Marc was the Vice Chair of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Board of Trustees and was dedicated to the mission of our organization. We are thankful for Marc’s outstanding leadership, friendship, guidance, and wisdom. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

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NJ Residents to Share Lifesaving Information for Annual Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day

MILLBURN, NJ — Residents from communities throughout New Jersey members will mobilize in one month to address the opioid epidemic ravaging the state as part of the eighth annual statewide Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day.

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Webinar Guides NJ Employers on Policies

Millburn, NJ — With the legalization of marijuana use by adults in New Jersey, employers face new challenges in maintaining safe and drug-free workplaces. To address this crucial issue, PDFNJ is hosting a free virtual webinar, Marijuana in the Workplace: The Challenge of Measuring Impairment, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 19. The webinar is sponsored by PDFNJ’s workplace prevention program, Drugs Don't Work in NJ.

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In Memoriam - NJ Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey mourns the passing of New Jersey Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver. Lt. Governor Oliver was a trailblazing politician and outstanding role model.

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FEND Off Fentanyl Act

NJ is losing too many of our children to the opioid and fentanyl crisis. In order to reverse this epidemic we need to continue to focus on education and prevention efforts, along with treatment options and collaboration with our prescribers and law enforcement who have the tools to support each of these efforts. NJ has, and continues to be, a leader in the collaboration between law enforcement and prevention - on the federal, state, county, and local levels. The FEND Off Fentanyl Act is crucial to supporting these efforts.

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PDFNJ & PSEG Foundation Bring Substance Use Prevention to the Classroom

PATERSON — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) and the PSEG Foundation have collaborated to send a message to 35,000 young New Jersey students across the state on the importance of healthy choices through the annual Third Grade Life Choices Coloring and Activity Book.

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Local Radio Station to Feature PDFNJ’s Substance Use Prevention Concert

PDFNJ's Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs New Jersey Prevention Concert will be taking center stage as 95.9 FM WRAT’s Jersey Rock Podcast Video of the Week

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Mercer County Teen Takes First Place in Your Song! Your Voiced! Music Competition

MILLBURN, NJ — A Mercer County teen used his musical talent to shout down drugs by creating a unique substance use prevention song to win first place in the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Your Song! Your Voice! music competition.

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Former NFL Quarterback Ray Lucas Returns to Alma Mater & Shares Story of Overcoming Opioid Addiction

PISCATAWAY, NJ — Hundreds of high school athletes from throughout the state received an education on the risks of prescription opioids from former NFL quarterback Ray Lucas at Rutgers University on Wednesday.

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nj1015.com: A New Push in NJ to Regulate an Herb that Can Make You Flip Out

New Jersey lawmakers are looking to regulate the use of Kratom, a controversial and potentially dangerous herbal drug that has been gaining popularity.

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Your Song! Your Voice! - Finalists Announced & Online Voting is Open!

MILLBURN — Twenty-six New Jersey high school students have been selected as finalists for their original music and lyrics featuring powerful peer-to-peer messages about substance use, misuse and prevention for the 2023 Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs New Jersey music competition organized by PDFNJ.

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NFL's Ray Lucas Talks About His Opiate Addiction With Aberdeen Teens

Former NFL Quarterback Ray Lucas shares his personal story of addiction and recovery with Matawan Regional High School student athletes.

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My9 Profiles PDFNJ Opioid Abuse Student Athlete Initiative

Former NFL Quarterback Ray Lucas spoke with WWOR about the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's Knock Out Opioid Abuse Student Athlete Initiative.

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PDFNJ & WMBC Talk Increase in Fentanyl ODs

PDFNJ's Angela Conover discusses the disturbing rise of fentanyl overdoses in New Jersey on WMBC News.

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nj1015.com - "Before you get wisdom teeth removed, read this NJ warning"

There are safer alternatives to address acute pain without opiates. Many dentists have been using over-the-counter medications, ibuprofen, and other medications that they have found to be very effective in addressing this type of pain.

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PDFNJ Warns Parents about the Dangers of Opioid Prescribing for Wisdom Tooth Removal in New PSA Campaign

WASHINGTON, D.C. ­— The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) 2023 public service campaign is putting the focus on key issues facing New Jersey families— opioids, fentanyl and stress levels among teens that could lead to experimentation and substance use disorder.

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WATCH ALERT: PDFNJ's Angelo Valente Joins WMBC-TV's Hometown Program

PDFNJ Executive Director, Angelo M. Valente, joins the WMBC-TV Hometown Program to take a closer look at the opioid epidemic in New Jersey. 

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pressofatlanticcity.com: Opioid abuse education will save NJ lives

PDFNJ Chair, Elaine Pozycki, explains how opioid education is saving lives through awareness and education.

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tapinto.net: PDFNJ and New Jersey Attorney General's Office to Collaborate on 2023 Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series

MILLBURN, NJ ­— The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) and the Office of the New Jersey Coordinator for Addiction Responses and Enforcement Strategies (NJ CARES) will renew the popular Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series for 2023 with a new slate of topics and expert speakers focused on the opioid crisis.

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PSEG & PDFNJ to Bring Vital Substance Use Prevention Messages to Third Grade Students in Scotch Plains & Throughout NJ

Third grade students throughout New Jersey to receive PDFNJ's PSEG Foundation Healthy Life - Healthy Decisions Coloring & Activity Book. Online ordering is now open.

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mypaperonline.com: Knock Out Opioid Abuse Program Returns to Deliver Message to High Schoolers

PDFNJ's Knock Out Opioid Abuse Student Athlete Initiative resumes in 2023 to bring opioid education to New Jersey student athletes.

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Drugs Don’t Work in NJ to Host Webinar - "The Challenges of Addressing Marijuana & Measuring Impairment in the NJ Workplace"

MILLBURN, NJ — Adult use of marijuana is now legal in NJ and employers are required to address this issue from a workplace perspective. New Jersey business leaders who are interested in maintaining a safe, healthy and drug-free workplace are invited to participate in PDFNJ’s FREE Webinar: The Challenges of Addressing Marijuana & Measuring Impairment in the New Jersey Workplace, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 9, 2023.

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centraljersey.com: Fentanyl, seniors and pills among topics planned in 2023 learning series

PDFNJ has wrapped up a successful 2022 Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series and will renew its partnership with the NJ CARES to host the webinar series in 2023 along with the Opioid Education Foundation of America.

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nj1015.com - NJ statistics: Senior citizens are overdosing at a higher clip

PDFNJ Executive Director, Angelo Valente explains that the CDC has reported that drug overdoses among seniors more than tripled between 2000 and 2020, and there is a surge in deaths among seniors related to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.

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njspotlightnews.org - While total deaths down, overdose deaths rising among some

PDFNJ's Learning Series Webinar wrapped up 2022 with a look back at the opioid epidemic and detailing what is to come for 2023.

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Fentanyl, Seniors and Pills Among Topics Planned for 2023 Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series

PDFNJ has wrapped up a successful 2022 Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series and will renew its partnership with the Office of the New Jersey Coordinator of Addiction Responses and Enforcement Strategies (NJ CARES) to host the webinar series in 2023 along with the Opioid Education Foundation of America.

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Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Leads in Fight Against Rx Opioid Misuse

Ocean County Prosecutor, Billhimer partners with PDFNJ to ensure life-saving messages about prescription opioids are reaching Ocean County residents.

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PDFNJ Cited as One of the Most Trusted Sources for Opioid Education

Millburn, New Jersey — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) is one of the most trusted sources for information about opioid addiction and education, according to a statewide survey conducted by the Fairleigh Dickinson University Poll.

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PDFNJ Seeking Middle School Influencers for the Middle School PSA Challenge

PDFNJ is calling on New Jersey fifth through eighth-grade students to enter the Middle School PSA Scriptwriting and Video Challenge to have a chance to win $1000 and have their video shared across PDFNJ social media as part of the peer-to-peer substance use messaging.

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nj1015.com: Former NFL star speaks to students at NJ high school

Former NFL Quarterback Ray Lucas to address Howell High School student athletes on the dangers of prescription opioids at the next PDFNJ Knock Out Opioid Abuse Student Athlete Town Hall Initiative on November 16.

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nj1015.com: NJ opioid prescription rules are now national guidelines

New CDC guidelines follow New Jersey's Patient Notification Act. recommending placing a priority on non-opioid treatment for patients experiencing pain before starting opioid therapy.

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New CDC Guidelines: Statement By PDFNJ Chair Elaine Pozycki

We are encouraged that the new CDC guidelines recommend and underscore the importance of medical practitioners having a conversation with patients to warn about the risks of dependence and addiction; and, to discuss the use of non-opioid pain relief alternatives before prescribing an opioid pain killer.

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Two Bergenfield Elementary Students Selected as Grand Prize Winners of PDFNJ’s Fourth Grade Artwork Contest

BERGENFIELD, NJ — Two students at Hoover Elementary School in Bergenfield were selected as co-winners of PDFNJ's Fourth Grade “Fun Things to Do Instead of Drugs” Artwork Contest. This is the first time in the contest’s 20-year history that two winners have won from the same school.

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Ray Lucas Shares Personal Story of Opioid Addiction and Recovery

Former Rutgers and NFL Quarterback Ray Lucas visited Clifton High School to talk to student athletes about the dangers of prescription opioids as part of PDFNJ's Knock Out Opioid Abuse Initiative.

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PDFNJ Music Competition Seeking NJ High School Students

PDFNJ wants New Jersey high school students to showcase their musical talents for the Your Song! Your Voice! competition!

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thecentersquare.com: New Jersey lawmakers' opioid bill targets education, training

PDFNJ's Angela Conover details PDFNJ's efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and how a significant new bill backed by two members of Congress from New Jersey will focus on a wide spectrum of substance use from prevention to treatment and recovery.

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NJ Residents to Spread Awareness of Opioid Epidemic on Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day

New Jersey residents spread awareness of the opioid epidemic for the 7th Annual Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day

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PDFNJ and Super Football Conference Work Together to Knock Out Opioid Abuse

MILLBURN — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) is teaming up with the Super Football Conference to help raise awareness among student athletes about the dangers of prescription opioids as part of the 7th annual Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day being held on October 6.

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PDFNJ Statement on Passing of Former Governor Jim Florio

MILLBURN, NJ – The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is saddened by the death of Former Governor Jim Florio and offer our sincerest condolences to the Florio family.

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tapinto.net - Former Rutgers and NFL QB Ray Lucas Warns Scotch Plains-Fanwood Athletes About Drug Addiction

Former Rutgers and NFL Quarterback Ray Lucas visited Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School to talk to student athletes about the dangers of prescription opioids as part of PDFNJ's Knock Out Opioid Abuse Initiative.

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PDFNJ Claims Six Awards from the NJ Ad Club Jersey Awards

PDFNJ won six NJ Ad Club Awards at this year’s event. Campaigns awarded first place included the Marijuana and Teens Track PSA, the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series, and the Protect Your Family Spanish Language Mask Campaign.

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PDFNJ Seeking Fourth Grade Students to Showcase Artistic Talents

PDFNJ is calling on creative fourth graders to test their artistic skills for its annual Fourth Grade Folder Contest for the 2022-2023 school year. Enter today!

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943thepoint.com - There is such an urgent, dire need for drug prevention and recovery in New Jersey

PDFNJ's Executive Director, Angelo Valente explains the need for drug prevention and recovery to help combat the opioid epidemic in New Jersey.

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njspotlightnews.org: Former NFL Quarterback Ray Lucas Shares Personal Story of Opioid Addiction & Recovery with Harrison High School Student Athletes

Student athletes at Harrison High School received an education on the risks of prescription opioids from a familiar face, Harrison native and former NFL quarterback Ray Lucas.

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nj1015.com: Animal tranquilizer being seen in new drug concoction on NJ streets

A new street drug is being found in New Jersey. Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer used in cattle, horses and sheep, is being added to narcotics like cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines, and in many cases these concoctions also include fentanyl.

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addictioncenter.com: Fentanyl At Music Festivals Raises Concerns

Public health officials in Chicago are urging would-be Lollapalooza-goers to test their drugs for Fentanyl, citing concerns of potential overdoses during the four-day music festival.

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nj1015.com: Meth from Mexico, Some Laced With Fentanyl, is Flooding NJ

Drug experts are warning methamphetamine use is on the rise in New Jersey. PDFNJ's Executive Director, Angelo Valente explains that there is a resurgence of the use of meth, unlike what we’ve seen in the past. The drug is now showing up in cities, the suburbs and even rural areas.

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nj1015.com: NJ Launches New Tool in Battle Against Substance Use Disorders

If you're struggling with a substance use disorder, knowing where to find the proper help can be overwhelming. New Jersey is here to help. The state has launched a free, online tool aimed at giving people information about addiction treatment programs throughout the state.

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nj.com - SPU president: N.J., Jersey City failing students by allowing marijuana businesses near colleges | Opinion

Go ahead, get high. This is the message New Jersey is permitting municipalities to send to school children and young adult college students. Though the law adopted by voters restricts legal use of marijuana to those 21 and older, there are no state mandated restrictions on where municipalities may approve retail and consumption stores.

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nj1015.com: Single Doses of Narcan no Longer Enough to Revive Overdose Victims in NJ

PDFNJ's Executive Director, Angelo Valente explains that fentanyl is being mixed with so many illegal substances and as a result fentanyl overdose deaths continue to rise in New Jersey. Because of its potency, in some cases, a second dose of naloxone is necessary to help save lives.

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phl17.com - CDC Says Drug Overdose Deaths Hit Record In 2021

PHL-17's Jennifer Lewis Hall sat down with Angela Conover, PDFNJ's Director of Opioid Prevention and Response to talk about the impact of opioids, fentanyl and overdose related deaths during the pandemic.

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PDFNJ Recognizes Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey at the Angel of Hope Gala

JERSEY CITY — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) honored Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey with the Angel of Hope Award for its leadership in addressing New Jersey’s opioid epidemic at the Angel of Hope Gala held May 18.

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CONGRATS TO KEYONI LEE!! WINNER OF THE 2022 SHOUT DOWN DRUGS COMPETITION

Listen to Keyoni's winning song

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Two Bergen County Students Win PDFNJ’s Statewide Fourth Grade Folder Contest

Two Bergen County Students Win PDFNJ's Statewide Fourth Grade Folder Contest. Sean Arrieta and Kristen Williams both from Hoover Elementary School in Bergenfield were selected as co-winners of the contest. Their designs will be featured on the 40,000 folders distributed to fourth grade classrooms throughout the state this fall.

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Obituary - Michael “Mike” Pasterchick, Jr.

It is with great sadness that the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey mourns the passing of longtime PDFNJ Board Member Michael Pasterchick. Mike served on the board for 16 years, sharing his law enforcement expertise and passion to help spread PDFNJ’s mission throughout New Jersey.

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northjersey.com: NJ getting $641M to fight the opioid epidemic. Why fentanyl is making it harder than ever

“Fentanyl is so inexpensive, it’s getting cut into every drug: into marijuana, into cocaine. There are pills being made that look like pills but they’re actually fentanyl,” said Angela Conover, director of opioid response and prevention at the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

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PDFNJ Expands Its Spanish Language Educational Campaign and Initiatives

MILLBURN — Providing the education and tools to help families safeguard their home and children from substance use is the goal of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s (PDFNJ) expansion of its online parent education program to include a Spanish language version.

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Your Song! Your Voice! - Finalists Announced and Online Voting is Now Open!

MILLBURN — New Jersey high school students across the state are raising their voice and sharing powerful messages about substance misuse and prevention for the 2022 Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs New Jersey music competition.

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whyy.org: Increase in N.J. drug overdose numbers suggests more needs to be done

Drug overdose deaths in New Jersey rose by one percent in 2021, according to preliminary figures. The increase in deaths is modest when compared to other states, but advocates say the numbers show that New Jersey remains in crisis mode.

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PSEG & PDFNJ to Bring Vital Substance Use Prevention Messages to 3rd Grade Students in Scotch Plains & NJ

Scotch Plains, NJ— PDFNJ & the PSEG Foundation are collaborating once again to send a message to New Jersey students across the state on the importance of healthy choices through the annual Third Grade Healthy Life Healthy Decisions Coloring and Activity Book. The third grade students at Brunner Elementary School in Scotch Plains received their books this week.

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phl17.com: Former NFL player talks to student-athletes about Opioid Addiction

PHL-17's Jennifer Lewis-Hall spoke with Former NFL Quarterback Ray Lucas to discuss the latest PDFNJ Knock Out Opioid Abuse initiative to educate student athletes about opioid use and addiction.

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Experts to Detail Opioid Epidemic’s Effects on New Jersey Families in Upcoming Webinar

Experts will discuss the opioid epidemic in New Jersey and its impact on families in the next installment of the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series, presented by PDFNJ & NJ CARES, which is responsible for overseeing addiction-fighting efforts across the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.

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Former NFL Quarterback Ray Lucas Shares Personal Story of Opioid Addiction & Recovery with Lakewood High School Student Athletes

Former NFL Quarterback Ray Lucas shares his personal story of opioid addiction and recovery with Lakewood High School student athletes as part of the latest Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day initiative in collaboration with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, in collaboration with the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA).

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nj1015.com: Legal marijuana in NJ: Are you allowed to smoke at work during breaks?

The legalization of the recreational use of marijuana in New Jersey has created confusion in the workplace. Employers have a lot of unanswered questions about legalization of marijuana and how it affects their business.

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[VIDEO] WMBC - Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office & PDFNJ Team Up with Local Businesses to Knock Out Opioid Abuse

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office is joining forces with PDFNJ to provide free opioid prescribing education to health care providers in the county.

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starnewsgroup.com: Point Boro businesses join stand against opioid crisis

Local businesses have teamed up with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and PDFNJ in an effort to raise awareness about New Jersey’s opioid epidemic.

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PDFNJ & New Jersey Attorney General’s Office to Resume Collaboration on Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series

PDFNJ & NJ CARES, which is responsible for overseeing addiction-fighting efforts across the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, have renewed their partnership to host the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series in 2022.

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thecrimereport.org: Blacks, Latinos Hit Harder by Opioid Epidemic, NJ Panel Told

The opioid epidemic has hurt every community in New Jersey. As we continue to address this issue, it is important to consider the impact of race in how different communities are affected, and assure that all communities have access to the education and resources to prevent and treat addiction among their residents.

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centraljersey.com: Old Bridge partners with PDFNJ, local businesses in ‘It is time to consider opioid alternatives’ campaign

"It is time to consider opioid alternatives." That is the message Old Bridge officials are hoping to get across to as many people as possible. And what better way than the message on a digital billboard along the busy Route 9 corridor.

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Poll says most New Jerseyans would opt for non-opioid prescription to reduce pain

About 71% of New Jerseyans who have been prescribed an opioid in the past two years recall their doctors discussing the potential risks, according to a recent Fairleigh Dickinson University poll with support from The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ).

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Upcoming Webinar to Focus on Race and the Opioid Epidemic

PDFNJ and New Jersey Attorney General's Office to host upcoming webinar focusing on race and the opioid epidemic.It will examine the role race has played in the statewide and national opioid epidemic in the year’s final installment of the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series.

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PDFNJ & Old Bridge Township Team Up to Combat Opioid Crisis

The collaboration officially kicked off December 1st with the unveiling of a billboard featuring a message about the risks of prescription opioids and the need to consider non-opioid alternatives. The billboard is just the first step in Old Bridge’s efforts to educate their community and save lives from the opioid crisis. Local businesses have committed to placing posters in store windows to help spread the message and raise awareness in the community.

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Most New Jerseyans Would Choose Non-Opioid Alternatives To Reduce Pain

Most New Jerseyans (71 percent) who had been prescribed an opioid in the past two years recall their doctor discussing the potential risks of the medication with them, according to a recent statewide survey from the Fairleigh Dickinson University Poll, along with support from PDFNJ.

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northjersey.com: New Jersey bucked U.S. trend in drug overdoses last year, but 2021 could be the deadliest

New Jersey might have been an outlier when the United States surpassed 100,000 drug overdose deaths last year, but the Garden State is now on a path toward its own somber milestone in a decade-long epidemic.

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northjersey.com: The opioid epidemic is surging as the pandemic drags on. We have to act.

PDFNJ Chair, Elaine Pozycki, writes that the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased stress caused by isolation and financial pressures and more difficulty getting treatment, has resulted to an acceleration of the opioid epidemic, leading to more new cases of Opioid Use Disorder and to a stepped-up number of relapses.

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nytimes.com - Inside Fentanyl’s Mounting Death Toll: ‘This Is Poison’

While a rise in overdose deaths shows the devastating consequences of the opioid’s spread, less is understood about how the drug has proliferated.

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Learning Series Webinar to Focus on Treating Pain Without Opioids

The next Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series examines best practices for treating pain without opioids following surgery. The webinar is presented by PDFNJ and the Office of the New Jersey Coordinator of Addiction Responses and Enforcement Strategies (NJ CARES). The event is being held in collaboration with the Opioid Education Foundation of America.

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NJ Families Challenged to Safeguard Their Home to Prevent Diversion & Rx Misuse

Communities across the state will participate in the 13th Annual American Medicine Chest Challenge – New Jersey (AMCC-NJ) Day of Awareness of Prescription Drug Abuse and Safe Disposal.

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PDFNJ Pharmacy Bags with Life Saving Prevention Messages to be Distributed Throughout New Jersey

PDFNJ is teaming up with pharmacies throughout the state to help educate New Jersey residents on the risks of prescription opioids and to raise awareness of safe disposal through the American Medicine Chest Challenge New Jersey (AMCC-NJ) National Day of Awareness on November 13.

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PDFNJ, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, & NJSIAA Team Up to Educate Student-Athletes on Opioid Use and Addiction

PDFNJ and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey will work together once again to bring their Knock Out Opioid Abuse initiative to the residents of New Jersey, this time with a focus on the health of student-athletes in collaboration with the NJSIAA (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association).

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Webinar to Examine Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Substance Use

Join PDFNJ for the next Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series Webinar at 11 a.m. at 11 a.m. on October 28 that will examine New Jersey’s efforts during the past year to provide support to victims of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

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PDFNJ Wins 12 Awards at NJ AD Club Ceremony

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey received 12 awards at the 2021 NJ Ad Club Jersey Awards Ceremony held on September 29.

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Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Draws Thousands to Raise Awareness of the Dangers of Prescription Opioids

Dr. Jamie Mells, Lieutenant Commander of the U.S. Public Health Service’s Division of Overdose Prevention with the CDC to headline Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series Webinar on October 6.

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PDFNJ Honors International Overdose Awareness Day by Encouraging Involvement in Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) honors International Overdose Awareness Day, today, and remembers those who we lost to drug overdose by encouraging all New Jersey residents to get involved and help to raise awareness about the dangers of opioids as part of this year’s Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day.

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nj.com: The Lost Generation

With pharmaceutical companies settling lawsuits they are able to put the opioid crisis behind them, but families of the victims cannot.

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Attend the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Training

Join PDFNJ at 11 a.m. on August 26 for the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Training Webinar. Learn more about Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day's virtual events, resources available to share with your community, and strategies to help spread awareness of the opioid epidemic.

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NJ expert: Talking drugs with your kids can’t wait until teen years

PDFNJ's Executive Director, Angelo Valente spoke to New Jersey's 101.5 about the importance of talking to today's young people about the dangers of getting involved with drugs and alcohol, and that you should not wait until the teen years to have these important conversations.

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newsbreak.com: A closer look at New Jersey's battle against the opioid epidemic

New Jersey has been at a stable level [of opioid-related overdose deaths] now. Of course, that level is too high. You know one life is too many to lose.

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PDFNJ Kicks Off the Official Start to Summer with #FamilyDayNJ Summer Promotion

MILLBURN—The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) is launching #FamilyDayNJ, a summer-long promotion encouraging quality family time and togetherness to foster bonding and communication.

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PDFNJ Claims Two Awards from National Association of Government Communicators

MILLBURN, NJ — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) received two awards at the 2021 National Association of Government Communicators Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards Ceremony held virtually on May 26.

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Public Servant, Friend to NJ Governors and Founder of Partnership for a Drug-Free NJ Passes Away at 81

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we share with you the passing of Joseph J.P. Miele, the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

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PDFNJ Opioid Education Reaches 1,000th Medical Professional

MILLBURN, N.J. — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s effort to educate on the risks of opioids and safe and responsible prescribing has now reached 1,000 professionals in the health care field and has potentially benefitted millions of New Jersey residents.

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In Memoriam: Kyran Killian, PDFNJ Parent Educator

Kyran James Killian, 74, of Vineland, passed away on May 5, 2021 surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor him by following his example of living life to the fullest.

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Middlesex and Cumberland County Students Win PDFNJ Statewide Fourth Grade Folder Contest

Michael McCabe from James A. McDivitt School in Old Bridge, Middlesex County, and Nathan Tenev from St. Mary’s School in Vineland, Cumberland County, were selected as co-winners of the contest. Their designs will be featured on the 40,000 folders distributed to fourth grade classrooms throughout the state this fall.

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Monmouth County Teen Wins Statewide Substance Use Prevention Music Competition

Congratulations Samantha Yannarelli of Mater Dei Prep! She is the first place winner of the 2021 Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs New Jersey music competition. Visit shoutdowndrugs.com and listen to Samantha's winning song as well as the other great performances!

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northjersey.com: Americans deserve the right to know about opioids — and alternatives

Senator Vitale has been a legislative leader in New Jersey’s fight against the opioid epidemic. He authored and played a key role in the passage of the state’s Patient Notification Act in 2017, which required prescribers to discuss with patients the addictive qualities of opioids and possible alternatives that exist to treat pain prior to prescribing an opioid. That law has served as a model for similar laws passed by 18 other states, as well as the Opioid Patients’ Right to Know Act.

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PDFNJ Highlights Opioid Prevention and Awareness Initiative at Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit

MILLBURN, N.J. — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) is showcasing its award-winning Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day initiative this week at the Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit this week, which is being held virtually after kicking off Monday.

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nj1015.com: NJ’s new laws on marijuana — an ‘open call’ for minors to try it?

Angelo Valente, executive director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, noted "conclusive research" is lacking on the true impact of marijuana use on the developing brain.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo Valente Discussed the New Marijuana laws in NJ on ABC6 Philadelphia

TRENTON, New Jersey -- Legislation to set up a recreational marijuana marketplace, decriminalize cannabis and loosen penalties for underage possession of the drug and alcohol was signed into law Monday by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, more than three months after voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot question to legalize adult use of the drug.

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NJ Patient Notification Law Introduced by Congress to Help Prevent Opioid Addiction Nationally

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative David Trone (D-Md.), along with Reps. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.), Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.), and David McKinley (R-W.V.), has introduced the bipartisan Opioid Patients’ Right to Know Act to help prevent opioid addiction across the country that is based on the success of the New Jersey Patient Notification Act.

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cdc.gov: Overdose Deaths Accelerating During COVID-19

Over 81,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in the 12 months ending in May 2020, the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period, according to recent provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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nj.com: Drug, alcohol support groups exempt from N.J.’s 10-person indoor gathering limit

Addiction support groups including Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are exempt from New Jersey’s recently enacted 10-person limit for indoor gatherings due to the coronavirus outbreak under a clarification included in a separate executive order signed Monday night by Gov. Phil Murphy.

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PDFNJ at NJEA 2020: Emerging Drug Trends

MILLBURN - Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Executive Director, Angelo Valente, and Director of Opioid Response and Prevention, Angela Conover, presented at the 2020 New Jersey Education Association convention on behalf of the New Jersey Association of School Social Workers.

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Elaine Pozycki, Chairwoman of PDFNJ, in Response to Purdue Pharma Guilty Plea

Millburn, NJ - “Purdue Pharma’s agreement to plead guilty to felony charges in part for illegally incentivizing doctors to prescribe more opioid-based pain relievers to patients, even-though the company knew full well how highly addictive these medicines are, underscores the importance of warning patients of the risks of addiction and discussing non-opioid pain relief alternatives."

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PDFNJ Unveils Campaign in Times Square to Raise Awareness about Opioid Use

MILLBURN, NJ — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) today announced the unveiling of a new public health campaign featured in Times Square that is reminding families to talk to their children and communicate about the two life-threatening public concerns – the COVID-19 pandemic and the opioid epidemic.

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Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day to Be Recognized on October 6th

MILLBURN — Thousands of New Jersey residents will be coming together virtually to Knock Out Opioid Abuse on October 6, for the state’s 5th Annual Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day.

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PDFNJ Unveils New Campaign Raising Awareness About Vital Family Communication and Masking Amid Pandemic

MILLBURN — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) has unveiled a new media campaign raising awareness of how to keep families safe from two life-threatening public concerns facing all New Jerseyans – Covid-19 pandemic and the opioid epidemic.

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popsugar.com: The US Opioid Crisis Is Pulling Families Under at an Alarming Rate, and We Need to Take Action

Twenty-six-year-old Briana Schroeder is a mom. She's self-assured with a measured voice. She's a former high school athlete, an animal-lover, and a recovering heroin addict.

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npr.org: Doctors And Dentists Still Flooding U.S. With Opioid Prescriptions

Despite widespread devastation caused by America's opioid epidemic, an investigation by NPR found that doctors and other health care providers still prescribe highly addictive pain medications at rates widely considered unsafe.

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northjersey.com: As COVID-19 rages, we cannot forget our home-grown pandemic

As we must continue to work on all fronts to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic, which has already taken more than 130,000 lives, we must redouble our efforts to curb our very own domestic pandemic, Opioid Use Disorder, which continues to take nearly 50,000 lives annually.

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Recovery Center for Network Therapy Facebook Live Panel Discussion

Bill Lillis, PDFNJ's Parent Education Coordinator took part in a panel discussion for the Recovery Center for Network Therapy (CNT) on Monday, June 22nd. Topics covered in the discussion included: why individuals suffering from substance use disorder are more susceptible to COVID-19, programs NJ residents can leverage to access treatment and law enforcement’s role in incentivizing people to treatment.

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nj.com: Overdose deaths jump in 2020, with nearly 10 people a day dying last month in N.J.

Drug overdose deaths in New Jersey have leaped 20% this year amid a pandemic that advocates fear has exacerbated drug abuse and made it harder for those with addictions to secure treatment.

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njtvonline.org: [VIDEO] Kids weigh in on pandemic and protests

Kids across New Jersey are living through history: a once-in-a-generation pandemic and a nationwide civil rights outcry. It can be a lot to handle for elementary and middle schoolers, so to help them understand and reflect on their place in history, The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey asked kids to write about the silver lining they’ve experienced in the last few months.

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psychcongress.com: Overdose Deaths on the Rise Again Amid COVID-19

Suspected overdose submissions to the Office of National Drug Control Policy’s Overdose Data Mapping Application Program from January to April this year are up 16.6% vs. the same period in 2019, according to an ODMAP report.

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Children Across NJ Share Positive Experiences Discovered While Social Distancing

MILLBURN, NJ — New Jersey children are finding some “silver linings” to the social distancing caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s (PDFNJ) Share Your Silver Linings campaign invited kindergarten through 8th grade students to share a story about a new healthy and positive family ritual, habit, activity or a healthy tip they have discovered while social distancing.

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northjersey.com - New Jersey says doctors must prescribe Narcan alongside opioids for at-risk patients

For the duration of the coronavirus crisis, doctors, dentists and other healthcare workers who prescribe opioids to patients with chronic pain may now have to prescribe an overdose-reversal drug alongside it. Announced Thursday by New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, the rule demands healthcare practitioners prescribe naloxone, commonly known by its brand name Narcan, to those regularly taking higher doses of opioids or combining opioids with benzodiazepines, which include anti-anxiety medications like Xanax.

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Hudson and Mercer County Students Win PDFNJ Statewide Fourth Grade Folder Contest

MILLBURN — More than 3,400 fourth grade students from across New Jersey have showcased their artistic skills and entered the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s (PDFNJ) Design a Fourth Grade Folder contest this year. The talented winners were chosen out of 28 finalists who were showcased in a virtual award ceremony held on May 12th.

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National Opioid Expert Dr. Andrew Kolodny Leads Knock Out Opioid Abuse Webinar

MILLBURN, NJ — As New Jersey, the nation and the world continue to face the difficulties and tragedy of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey continued the conversation on the national opioid crisis affecting millions of Americans.

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New Study Offers Promising Results of the Patient Notification Act in the Fight Against the Opioid Epidemic

Millburn, NJ — A new study has found that the Patient Notification Act, a New Jersey law that requires medical practitioners to discuss the addictive potential of opioid-based painkillers with their patients (and parents of minors), and to also discuss a safer non-opioid alternative when available, is having a profound impact on the fight against the opioid epidemic.

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PDFNJ Unveils Share Your Silver Linings Story Campaign for Students Across New Jersey

MILLBURN, NJ — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) is announcing a new campaign aimed at sharing positive stories or “silver linings” New Jersey students have discovered during this time of social distancing.

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CONGRATS TO SHANNON HARRINGTON!! WINNER OF THE 2020 SHOUT DOWN DRUGS COMPETITION

Listen to Shannon's winning song

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Be Sure To Cast Your Vote Today For The New Jersey Shout Down Drugs Music Contest!

Voting is underway for the New Jersey Shout Down Drugs music contest sponsored by 95.9 WRAT and the New Jersey Broadcasters Association. Go to ShoutDownDrugs.com and cast your vote for your favorite songs written and performed by teens across New Jersey who want to share their music and drug-free prevention messages.

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PDFNJ To Unveil a Social Media Campaign Focused On Things To Do Together At Home

MILLBURN, NJ - During these trying times, The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) plans to offer ideas and tips through a new social media campaign entitled, the PDFNJ Tip of the Day. The Tips to be unveiled on March 23, will provide inspiration to families and children through different tips and activities to do in inside during the Coronavirus pandemic. A new tip to be posted each day.

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nj1015.com - Don’t let pandemic beat you: A drug abuse warning during coronavirus

As fear, anxiety and stress overtake our bodies, minds and hearts during this coronavirus pandemic, there is a concern that many may turn to alcohol and drugs for comfort. Angelo Valente, executive director for A Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, says there is no question that stress from COVID-19 can put people at risk for substance abuse — especially young people.

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Partnership for A Drug Free New-Jersey Response to Coronavirus Pandemic

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey extends to you and your family our best wishes for continued good health. Please follow all of the guidelines and new rules that have been announced to stop the spread of the coronavirus. In response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, PDFNJ has begun to cancel, postpone or make accommodations for all live, in-person group events that are currently planned.

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njtvonline.org: Teaching third graders about the dangers of substance abuse [VIDEO]

Children as young as 11-years-old admitted to vaping last year. New Jersey Hospital Association data shows that’s two years younger than the year before. Now, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is piloting an education program to help kids avoid substance abuse. But is third grade too early to start the program?

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PDFNJ and PSEG Foundation Bring Substance Use Prevention Efforts to the Classroom

Union City, NJ— The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) and the PSEG Foundation have collaborated to send a message to 25,000 young New Jersey students across the state on the importance of healthy choices through the annual Third Grade Life Choices Coloring and Activity Book.

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steveadubato.org: The Impact of the Opioid Epidemic on Student Athletes [VIDEO]

PDFNJ's Executive Director, Angelo Valente, sat down with Think Tank's Steve Adubato to talk about educating communities about the opioid epidemic and the importance of educating student athletes about the dangers and early signs of addiction.

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capemaycountyherald.com: Knock Out Opioid Abuse Prescriber Education Makes Impact on NJ Healthcare Professionals and Patients

MILLBURN - Thousands of New Jersey residents have benefited from their medical professionals’ increased awareness of the risks posed by prescription opioids, thanks to an opioid webinar launched by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (BCBSNJ).

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More Than 100 Billion Doses of Opioid Pills Were Shipped Between 2006 and 2014

Data collected by the Drug Enforcement Administration shows more than 100 billion doses of oxycodone and hydrocodone were shipped nationwide between 2006 and 2014, The Washington Post reports.

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nj.com: A new campaign against vaping is launching in N.J. schools

Teens around New Jersey are going back to school and being warned against the dangers of vaping with a new campaign sponsored by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and the office of the state Attorney General.

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New Jersey Students to Receive Messages on the Dangers of Vaping

MILLBURN ­— There’s nothing safe about vaping. That’s the message the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) will be sharing with youth as they return from holiday break this week. PDFNJ, in collaboration with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, has unveiled a media campaign about the dangers of vaping that will be distributed to each of the more than 3,500 schools in the state.

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washingtonpost.com: ‘It only took one pill’: How addiction starts

The road to Paul Little’s addiction began during a hard day at work. He took one pill to ease a headache, which turned into nine-month habit. “I got up to 20 to 30 Percocets a day,” the former Air Force doctor said. “I was eating them like M&Ms.” Kathy Thomas took opioids for two years until a doctor told her she was being unnecessarily medicated. She still lives with the psychological consequences.

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New Jersey Families Challenged to Help Knock Out Opioid Abuse

MILLBURN — On November 9, communities across the state will participate in the 11th Annual American Medicine Chest Challenge – New Jersey (AMCC-NJ) Day of Awareness of Prescription Drug Abuse and Safe Disposal, a public health initiative created by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) to help raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and empower families to safeguard their home through the 5-step challenge.

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Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall in Somerset Hills Highlights Impact of Opioid Epidemic on Community

PDFNJ and The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey held a Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall in Somerset Hills on Tuesday, October 22. From left, Angelo Valente, Executive Director - PDFNJ; Somerset County Prosecutor Michael Robertson; Amanda Carroll, a Bernardsville resident in long-term recovery; Dr. Gail, Granowtiz, MD, Anesthesiologist; Chris Barton, Clinical Design Liason, Behavioral Health, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ; Jodi D’Agostini, Founder and Board Chair of Community in Crisis; Katie Meyler, a Bernardsville resident; and Father Rick Morley of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

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Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall in Camden Highlights Impact of Opioid Epidemic on Community

CAMDEN — Local experts on the opioid epidemic ravaging New Jersey addressed its impact on Camden and discussed solutions with its residents at a Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall sponsored by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) and The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey.

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jerseyshoreonline.com: Forum Seeks Solution To Opioid Epidemic

Toms River Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher, left, joins Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer; Heather Price, Volunteer Coordinator for Hope Sheds Light, Susan S. Jones, Reverend of Holy Cross Lutheran Church; and Beverly Prima, Hope Sheds Light during a Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)

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Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall Highlights Impact of Opioid Epidemic on Hunterdon Medical Center Community

PDFNJ and The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey held a Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall in Flemington on Wednesday, October 9. From left, Hunterdon County Prosecutor Michael Willians; Dr. Nimish Mehta, Hunterdon Medical Center; Nava Bastola, Public Health Analyst, NY/NJ High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program (HIDTA); Lesley Gabel, Co-Director, CEO, Prevention Resources; Divya Paliwal, MD, Chief Clinical Transformation Office, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey; Angelo Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ; Dr. Jeffrey Moore, Superintendent, Hunterdon Central Regional High School; and Heather Ogden, Advocacy Coordinator, NCADD – NJ; Greg Rearick, Supervisor, Hunterdon Opioid Overdose Recovery Program.

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Rutgers Athletics Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall Highlights Impact of Opioid Epidemic

PDFNJ and The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey held a Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall in Cape May on Friday, October 4. From left, Angelo Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ; Ray Lucas, former Rutgers and NFL quarterback; Greg Vetrone, Rutger’s men’s basketball Director of Player Development; and John J. Hoffman, Rutgers University Senior Vice President and General Counsel.

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PDFNJ and Rutgers Football Team up for #KnockOutOpioidAbuse Day

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey attended the Rutgers football game on October 5th to help educate athletes and Rutgers football fans about the dangers of opioids and to distribute materials for #KnockOutOpioidAbuse Day in New Jersey!

NJ Residents Distribute Life-Saving Information on Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day

NEW JERSEY—New Jersey residents spread awareness and prevention information regarding the opioid crisis on October 6, a day Governor Phil Murphy recently commemorated as Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day in New Jersey.

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njtvonline.org: How to Combat Opioid Abuse in Student Athletes [VIDEO]

The Partnership for Drug-Free New Jersey and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey, an underwriter of NJTV News, is traveling across the state to host Knock Out Opioid Abuse town hall events. Friday they were at the Rutgers University Athletic Center sharing personal stories.

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Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall in Cape May Highlights Impact of Opioid Epidemic on Community

CAPE MAY — Local experts on the opioid epidemic ravaging New Jersey addressed its impact on Cape May and discussed solutions with its residents at a Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall sponsored by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) and The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey.

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PDFNJ Featured At Organization of American States in Washington, D.C.

PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo M. Valente spoke at the first Organization of American States (OAS) meeting to address substance use in Washington D.C. on September 30 about the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's strategies to spread awareness about substance use, misuse and abuse.

Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall in Toms River Highlights Impact of Opioid Epidemic on Community

TOMS RIVER - From left, Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher; Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer; Heather Price, Volunteeer Coordinator for Hope Sheds Light and Person in Long-Term Recovery; Angelo Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ; Susan S. Jones, Reverand of Holy Cross Lutheran Church; and Beverly Prima, Hope Sheds Light.

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New PDFNJ Campaign Highlights Danger of Prescription Opioids

NEW YORK — A powerful new message in Times Square from the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey emphasizes the dangers of prescription opioids.

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Thousands Impacted by PDFNJ’s Squash The Stigma Challenge

MILLBURN — Eradicating the stigma of addiction was the goal of hundreds of participants in the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s #SquashTheStigma initiative.

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Winners Announced in PDFNJ’s Online Family Fishing Tournament

MILLBURN — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey announced five winners for its Fifth Annual Don’t Get Hooked on Drugs Online NJ Family Fishing Tournament. Carl Cocozza and Vince Miranda of Atlantic County, Mike Mezak of Bergen County, Tim McHugh of Gloucester County, and Stephanie Osborne of Morris County were randomly selected as the winners of the competition. Each winner will receive a $100 gift card.

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Squash the Stigma

PDFNJ’s online Squash the Stigma challenge, beginning August 1 and concluding on International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, calls family and friends who have been impacted by to take a public stand against stigma.

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nj1015.com - NJ Drug Overdose Death Rate Drops Slightly: What’s Working?

Drug overdose deaths in the Garden State have been steadily rising for years but finally there is some good news to report. For the first six months of 2019, the number of fatal overdoses was down 7% compared to the same timeframe in 2018.

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njbiz.com: State’s highest court will hear case on medical cannabis in the workplace

New Jersey’s Supreme Court announced Tuesday it will consider whether or not a Ridgewood funeral home discriminated against one of its employees in 2016 for using medical cannabis.

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Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Project Signed into Law

MILLBURN -- Governor Phil Murphy officially made Oct. 6 Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day. Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day is a statewide project created by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey in cooperation with 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.

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njbiz.com: Change course

A pair of organizations team up to educate drug prescribers about limiting unnecessary opioid use

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Benzos Becoming a Choice Drug for Teens, NJ Drug Advocates Warn

Drug experts are now warning of a dangerous new health problem involving medications like Valium and Xanax that are typically prescribed for anxiety and insomnia.

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On June 18th the NJ Dept. of Human Services Will Distribute Free Naloxone

No prescription needed. No insurance required. Find out what pharmacies are participating by following the read more link.

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[VIDEO] PDFNJ Discusses New Jersey Program for Free Naloxone

Matt Birchenough, PDFNJ Dir. of Special Events, discusses NJ's free naloxone program with News12.

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PDFNJ Claims Three First-Place Trophies at NJ Ad Club Jersey Awards

MILLBURN ­— The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) received six awards, including three first-place awards, at the NJ Ad Club’s 51st Annual Jersey Awards on June 5.

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Knock Out Opioid Abuse Initiative Launches New Online Course for Prescribers

MILLBURN — In response to the opioid epidemic ravaging New Jersey, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ) have turned their focus toward educating prescribers on safe and responsible prescribing.

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NJ AG Grewal Announces Lawsuit Against Sackler Family at Law Enforcement Opioid Conference

ATLANTIC CITY ­--- New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced his office has filed a lawsuit against eight members of the Sackler family, founders of Purdue Pharma, at an opioid conference hosted by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey on Thursday.

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NJ AG Gurbir Grewal to Deliver Keynote Address at May 30th Law Enforcement Opioid Training

NJ Attorney General Grewal will discuss statewide initiatives to address the ongoing opioid epidemic and emphasize the role of law enforcement in combating this critical issue at the New Jersey Law Enforcement Training: On the Front Lines of the Opioid Epidemic.

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PDFNJ Executive Director Named to NJBIZ’s 2019 Health Care Power 50

MILLBURN — Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Executive Director Angelo Valente earned recognition as one of the top figures in the health care field this week after NJBIZ selected him for its 2019 Health Care Power 50 list.

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Morris County Teen Wins Statewide Substance Use Prevention Music Competition

PDFNJ held its 15th Annual New Jersey Shout Down Drugs Prevention Concert on Friday, May 10 at Rutgers University in New Brunswick. From left, WCTC Radio Host and Prevention Concert master of ceremonies Bert Baron, second-place winner Jermaine Bethea, first-place winner Tiffany Enemuo, third-place winner Carolina Rial and PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo Valente.

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Bergen and Hudson County Students Win PDFNJ Statewide Fourth Grade Folder Contest

Ava Wittreich of Washington School in Bergenfield and Alysa Patel of Public School 27 in Jersey City were selected as co-winners of the Design a Fourth Grade Folder contest. Their designs will appear on the folder distributed annually to thousands of fourth graders throughout the state.

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Galloway Residents Seek Solutions to Opioid Epidemic at Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall

PDFNJ and The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey held a Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall in Galloway on May 7th. From left, Jennifer Goudy, Senior Program Officer, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey; Dr. Brian Acunto; Galloway Police Chief Donna Higbee; Galloway Ambulance Chief Chuck Uhl; Laurie Smith of Join Together Atlantic County; Scott Gras, Peer Recovery Specialist with the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office; Reverend Mike Walker of Highland Community Church; PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo Valente; and Galloway Mayor Anthony Coppola Jr.

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PDFNJ Recognizes Dr. Andrew Kolodny at Angel of Hope Gala

JERSEY CITY — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) honored Dr. Andrew Kolodny with the Angel of Hope Award for his efforts in the fight against the nationwide opioid epidemic at the Angel of Hope Gala, held Thursday at the Harborside Atrium.

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Robbinsville Residents Seek Solutions to Opioid Epidemic at Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall

The Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall examined the opioid epidemic’s effects on Robbinsville and actions to address the issue. From left, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri, Dr. Neal Schofield, Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried, Roy Leitstein, PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo Valente; Fred DiOrio, Dental Director of Government Programs for Horizon NJ Health; Marissa Esposito; and Reverend Edgar Shaffer.

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PDFNJ’s Elaine Pozycki and Angelo Valente featured on ABC7’s Protect Our Children

The program is hosted by Eyewitness News Anchor Diana Williams and addresses the worst drug crisis in American history - the opioid crisis - which is truly a public health emergency.

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What Can Employers Do to Maintain a Safe and Drug-Free Workplace?

Positive test results among active employees is a cause for concern among employers. The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey moderates a NJBIZ panel discusssion on a wide range of issues, including current testing policies.

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[VIDEO] National Leaders Converge on New Jersey to Combat the Opioid Epidemic

The Knock Out Opioid Abuse Summit, in partnership with the The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, looks at the Federal and State responses to the Opioid Epidemic.

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Statewide Seminar Addresses the Legal Issues of Marijuana in the Workplace

ANDOVER — New Jersey businesses concerned about establishing and maintaining a drug-free working environment are invited to attend a free statewide seminar Tuesday, April 9 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Perona Farms in Andover.

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Next Round of Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Halls to Kick off with Summit on Government Response to Opioid Epidemic

NEWARK — After conducting more than two dozen town halls statewide to better understand the scope and impact of New Jersey’s opioid epidemic, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ) will kick off a new round of town halls, with a fresh focus on customizing solutions to individual communities and leveraging local resources to combat the problem.

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NJ 101.5 FM talks with PDFNJ and Horizon Foundation for NJ

PDFNJ's Angela Conover and the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey's Dr. Steven Peskin speak with Bert Baron about the upcoming March 27 Knock Out Opioid Abuse Summit in Newark.

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Did the FDA ignite the opioid epidemic?

A drug manufacturer denounces his own industry and explains to 60 Minutes how a label change by the FDA expanded the use of opioids

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[VIDEO] PDFNJ Co-Chair Elaine Pozycki Addresses Doctors at Holy Name Medical Center

Elaine Pozycki, who lost her son to opioid addiction, addresses a group of doctors at Holy Name Medical Center and asks them to consider opioid alternatives.

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Knock Out Opioid Abuse Summit Announced for March 27th

Join us at The Newark Museum on March 27 for the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Summit on the State and Federal Response to the Opioid Epidemic. Representatives from the state and federal governments will discuss the impact of the opioid crisis and resources available for communities to help address the epidemic.

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PDFNJ Joins NJ OAG and NJISAA In Opioid Athlete Awareness Initiative

TRENTON – Acting to address the increased risk of opioid abuse among high school athletes, the Office of the New Jersey Coordinator for Addiction Responses and Enforcement Strategies (“NJ CARES”) and the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (“NJSIAA”) announced on Tuesday Feb. 19, a new partnership to educate student athletes on addiction risks associated with sports injuries and opioid use.

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abc7ny.com: School bus driver revived with Narcan after crashing in New Jersey

NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- The driver of a school bus carrying children with special needs was revived with the narcotic overdose drug Narcan after crashing in New Jersey Wednesday, according to authorities.

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washingtonpost.com: FDA, drug companies, doctors mishandled use of powerful fentanyl painkiller

The Food and Drug Administration, drug companies and doctors mishandled distribution of a powerful fentanyl painkiller, allowing widespread prescribing to ineligible patients despite special measures designed to safeguard its use, according to a report released Tuesday.

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STATEWIDE CAMPAIGN TO SECURE MEDICINES IN THE HOME LAUNCHED TODAY

Trenton, February 19, 2019 – Today the New Jersey Realtors, HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ), Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey launched a campaign to educate Realtors and homeowners with an active listing, along with the general public, about the importance of securing medicines in their homes and properly disposing of unused drugs that are no longer needed.

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nj.com: N.J. student, 13, gave classmates marijuana gummy bears. Teen girl ends up in hospital.

A 13-year-old student in Bergen County has been charged after giving his classmates edible marijuana gummy bears during school hours after one of his fellow students became ill and had to be taken to the hospital, police said.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo M. Valente Appears Live on Fox5 News with Ernie Anastos

PDFNJ's Angelo Valente and 2017 winner of the NJ Shout Down Drugs competition, Taylor Van Cleave, spoke with Fox5's Ernie Anastos.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo M. Valente Introduces Miss America to NJSDD Winner Taylor Van Cleave

2019 Miss America Nia Franklin and PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo Valente, along with the 2017 New Jersey Shout Down Drugs winner Taylor Van Cleave, take a moment to pose for a photo at the Fox5 studios in NYC.

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njtvonline.org: Advocates try to rein in prescriptions from dentists to combat opioid crisis

PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo M. Valente spoke with reporter Leah Mishkin of NJTV about Safer Prescribing Practices for Pediatric Dentists as part of the Do No Harm series. Click the read more to watch.

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PDFNJ 3rd Grade Healthy Lifestyle Activity Book Campaign Encourages Drug-Free Choices

Watch the 3rd Grade Healthy Lifestyle Activity Book Campaign, Supported by the PSEG Foundation on NJTV News' Garden State Express.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo M. Valente discusses the Crisis of Opioid Addictions on My9's "New Jersey Now"

Watch "New Jersey Now" discussing the New Jersey opioid epidemic with PDFNJ Ex. Dir., Angelo M. Valente.

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40,000 Healthy Lifestyle Activity Books to Arrive ‘Polar Express’ Style for New Jersey 3rd Graders

Maria Spina from the PSEG Foundation, Arianna and Anthony Calamusa, 3rd Graders from the McGinn Elementary School, and Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership of a Drug-Free New Jersey

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nytimes.com: Balancing the Risks and Benefits of Opioids for Children

Experts say opioids are sometimes warranted for kids, in cases like severe burns or major trauma. But doctors should prescribe carefully, and parents should never keep leftovers in the house.

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Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Launches Campaign to Prevent Fentanyl Deaths

MILLBURN — In response to the crisis that has claimed thousands of New Jersey residents in the past four years alone, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) has launched a media campaign to make families aware of the fentanyl outbreak in New Jersey communities.

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Angelo Valente Discusses Rise in Fentanyl Deaths on WCBS 880

More than half of the 3,100 overdose deaths in New Jersey in 2018 involved the opioid pain reliever fentanyl. Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, Executive Director Angelo Valente talks with WCBS Newsradio 880 about the increase in deaths and the launch of a fentanyl media campaign to combat this issue.

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PDFNJ Executive Director Discusses Opioid Crisis on Comcast Newsmakers

Jill Horner speaks with Angelo Valente, Executive Director from the Partnership for Drug Free New Jersey, about Knock Out Opioid Abuse and Shout Down Drugs.

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PDFNJ to recognize Dr. Andrew Kolodny at 2019 Angel of Hope Gala

MILLBURN — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) will present its Angel of Hope Award to Dr. Andrew Kolodny in recognition of his efforts to help solve the nation’s opioid crisis at a gala celebration on April 11, 2019, at the Harborside Atrium in Jersey City.

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PDFNJ Featured on Inside Edition

Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Executive Director Angelo Valente spoke with Inside Edition about a recent study finding that 6 percent of teens and young adults who were prescribed opioids by a dentist were diagnosed with opioid abuse within a year.

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washingtonpost.com - Study: Dental painkillers may put young people at risk of opioid addiction

Dentists who prescribe opioid painkillers to teenagers and young adults after pulling their wisdom teeth may be putting their patients at risk of addiction, a new study finds.

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The Teen Vaping Trend – What Parents Need to Know

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol, often referred to as vapor, produced by an e-cigarette or similar device. It’s become more popular among teens than regular cigarettes, especially given that vaping devices can be used for anything from flavors like mango, mint or tutti frutti, to flavorings containing nicotine or THC, the chemical compound in marijuana that produces the high.

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nj1015.com: AN OLD DRUG MAKES A COMEBACK IN NEW JERSEY

Methamphetamine use is on the rise, especially in southern parts of the Garden State.

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time.com - U.S. Life Expectancy Dropped for the Third Year in a Row. Drugs and Suicide Are Partly to Blame

Still, drugs — namely opioids such as heroin — continue to be a considerable cause of fatalities. And synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are a growing problem: The rate of overdose deaths involving these drugs rose by 45% from 2016 to 2017.

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Vaping Guide Released as F.D.A. Cracks Down on E-Cigarette Vendors Selling to Minors

NEW YORK – November 28, 2018 – Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to helping families struggling with their son’s or daughter’s substance use, today is launching an essential resource guide for parents and caregivers, “Vaping: What You Need to Know And How to Talk With Your Kids.”

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Study Shows More New Jersey Parents Recognize Links Between Prescription Opioids and Heroin Use

MILLBURN — New Jersey parents are becoming more aware of the risks of prescription opioids and their link to heroin use, according to a study by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ).

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PDFNJ Executive Director Inducted in Advertising Hall of Fame of New Jersey

PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo Valente, far right, was inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame of New Jersey on November 8 at the Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange. As executive director since PDFNJ’s inception in 1992, Valente has spearheaded a number of unique substance use prevention public service campaigns that have been spread throughout the state and the nation. Valente was joined by fellow inductees, from left, Barry Schiro, Donna Bonavita, Larry Durst and Collette Liantonio.

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New Jersey AG sues J&J subsidiary for practices related to opioid products

The state of New Jersey has filed a five-count lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, for deceiving consumers about the dangers of two of its opioid products with high potential for abuse – Nucynta and Nucynta ER, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said Tuesday.

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CarePoint Foundation Honors Angelo Valente with Community Service Award

The CarePoint Foundation honored Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Executive Director Angelo Valente with the Daniel A. Kane Memorial Community Service Award at the CarePoint Foundation Gala at Saint Peter's University on Thursday, October 25.

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PDFNJ Co-Chair Elaine Pozycki Discusses Addiction in Radio Interview

PDFNJ Co-Chair Elaine Pozycki has been a leader in the nationwide effort to pass legislation requiring doctors and other health care providers to inform their patients about the risks of opioids before prescribing them. She joined Steppin’ Out Radio recently to discuss her son’s battle with addiction and her efforts to bring the Patient Notification Act to every state in the country.

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CarePoint Foundation to Host “A Night on Broadway” Gala to Celebrate Hudson County Community

Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, to Be Honored

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NJTV Special Details Impact of Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall Series in Fight Against Opioid Epidemic

NEW JERSEY — A new special that premiered Thursday night on NJTV spotlighted the significance of the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall Series in addressing New Jersey’s ongoing opioid crisis.

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njbmagazine.com: Combatting the Opioid Crisis

While the number of opioid prescriptions is down, the number of deaths continues to rise.

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New Jersey Residents Lead Effort to Knock Out Opioid Abuse

PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo Valente joined the Health and Wellness Coalition at Pompton Lakes High School in Passaic County to deliver the message of Knock Out Opioid Abuse throughout the community.

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New Jersey Legislature Shows Support for Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day

TRENTON — The New Jersey State Legislature reaffirmed its commitment to fighting the opioid epidemic and its support for the efforts of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey by proclaiming October 6 as Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day in the state.

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New Jersey Legislators Discuss Response to Opioid Crisis

FLORHAM PARK — PDFNJ hosted a breakfast to address the legislative response to NJ’s opioid epidemic Monday morning in Florham Park. From left, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon; Bianca Madzarova, projects specialist for the office of United States Senator Cory Booker; PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo Valente; Barbara Kauffman, Director of Prevention Services at Morris County Prevention is Key; Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco; and Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney.

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New Jersey High Schools to Spread Opioid Awareness through Athletics

NEW JERSEY — In the coming weeks, student athletes, coaches and administrators from high schools throughout the state will help to spread vital messages about the risks of prescription opioids and their link to heroin use as part of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s third annual Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day.

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PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo M. Valente Selected to NJ Ad Hall of Fame

Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Executive Director Angelo Valente will be one of five new members of the Advertising Hall of Fame of New Jersey inducted in 2018, the NJ Ad Club announced Tuesday.

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New Jersey Volunteers to Fight Opioid Epidemic on Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day

NEW JERSEY — Volunteers throughout the state will unite to combat the deadly opioid crisis on Saturday, Oct. 6, by delivering vital information in their communities on the dangers of prescription opioids and their link to heroin use on the third annual Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day.

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PDFNJ’s Angela Conover Discusses Naloxone in Schools with 1450 WCTC’s Bert Baron

Angela Conover discusses naloxone in NJ high schools.

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Families Catch Fish and Fun in PDFNJ’s Online Fishing Tournament

MILLBURN — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey announced six winners today for its fourth annual Don’t Get Hooked on Drugs Online NJ Family Fishing Tournament.

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One on One With Steve Adubato

[VIDEO] PDFNJ Ex. Director Angelo Valente Goes ‘One-on-One’ with Steve Adubato to Discuss the Opioid Crisis

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PDFNJ Encourages Family Fun with Online Fishing Tournament

MILLBURN — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) is asking families to cast their lines and reel in some quality time this summer as part of the fourth annual Don’t Get Hooked on Drugs Online NJ Family Fishing Tournament.

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New Jersey Senate Honors PDFNJ Co-Chair Elaine Pozycki

Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Co-Chair Elaine Pozycki received a resolution from the New Jersey State Senate for her leadership in addressing the opioid crisis. From left, Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman, Senator Joseph Vitale, Caroline Pozycki, Caroline Pozycki Torres, Elaine Pozycki, Harry Pozycki, PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo Valente and Senate President Stephen Sweeney.

PDFNJ’s Shout Down Drugs Program Recognized with National Award

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) earned national acclaim for its New Jersey Shout Down Drugs high school music competition last week at the National Association of Government Communicators’ (NAGC) 2018 Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards.

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New Jersey Senate to Honor PDFNJ Chair Elaine Pozycki

TRENTON — The New Jersey Senate will be honoring Elaine Pozycki for her leadership in addressing New Jersey’s opioid epidemic by presenting a resolution at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 21, at the Statehouse.

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PDFNJ Takes Best of Public Relations Trophy at 50th Annual NJ Ad Club Jersey Awards

PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo Valente and Media Coordinator Matt Birchenough display the Partnership’s five trophies won at the 50th Annual Jersey

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Do No Harm Symposium Highlighted at International Conference on Opioids

BOSTON – The Do No Harm Symposium Series, a prescriber education program organized by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – New Jersey Division, is being showcased among the programs showcased at the 2018 International Conference on Opioids that began Sunday and will run through Tuesday at Harvard Medical School.

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PDFNJ Participates in White House Sports and Fitness Day

The White House invited the Partnership and St. Francis Academy in Union City to attend a Sports and Fitness Day. PDFNJ collaborated with St. Francis Academy in Union City to select New Jersey students to accompany the Partnership at the event.

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Mercer County Residents Discuss Opioid Epidemic with Experts at Town Hall

An expert panel that included, from left, Barrett Young, Dr. Stuart Roe, Barbara Sprechman, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Dr. Rachael Evans and Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri provided a comprehensive view of the opioid epidemic and its impact on Mercer County at Wednesday night’s Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall, sponsored by PDFNJ and the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey.

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Experts Detail Opioid Epidemic’s Impact on Essex County

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey hosted the 19th event in the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall Series in Essex County on Tuesday. Panelists included, from left, Dr. Lewis S. Nelson, Essex County Assistant Prosecutor Michele Miller, Barbara Kauffman, Mariel Hufnagel, Nicholas Beam and Dr. Janet Philips.

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Ocean County Prosecutor, Other Experts Lead Opioid Discussion at Town Hall

LITTLE EGG HARBOR TWP. — Ocean County experts addressed the ongoing opioid crisis at a Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall on Thursday at Calvary Baptist Church in Little Egg Harbor. From left, Michael Capko, Pastor Mike Dellaperute, Liza DeJesus, Dr. Muhammad Abbas and Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato.

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Statewide Seminar Addresses Impact of Opioid Epidemic and Legalization of Marijuana on the Workplace

MAYS LANDING — More than 75 small business owners, employers and other New Jersey residents received an in-depth look into the issues affecting the establishment and maintenance of drug-free workplaces at the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s annual Legal Issues of a Drug-Free Workplace Statewide Seminar on Wednesday morning.

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Hunterdon County Residents and Experts Examine Causes and Solutions for Opioid Epidemic

Hunterdon County experts led a discussion on the opioid epidemic and its impact on Hunterdon County at a Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall organized by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. From left, 1450 WCTC AM radio host Bert Baron, Hunterdon County Executive Assistant Prosecutor Michael Sweeney, Christine Cochrane of Hunterdon Medical Center, State Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman, Lesley Gabel of Prevention Resources, Karen Widico of Prevention Resources and Frank Lovell III from Freedom House.

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32 Students from NJ Recognized for Prevention Messages at Fourth Grade Folder Contest Ceremony

POINT PLEASANT BEACH — More than 4,000 fourth grade students from across New Jersey drew their idea of a fun time as part of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Design a Fourth Grade Folder contest this year, but just two will have their designs appear on the folder distributed annually to thousands of fourth graders throughout the state.

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Passaic County Experts Provide Comprehensive View of the Opioid Epidemic’s Local Impact

PDFNJ and the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey held a Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall in Passaic County on Thursday at the Hawthorne Gospel Church. The expert panel of speakers featured, from left, Alton Robinson, Tim Stanley, Dr. William Kernan, Dr. Steve Aydin, Dr. Adelaide Viguri and Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes.

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Bergen County Teen Wins Statewide Substance Use Prevention Music Competition

MENDHAM — Students from across New Jersey united Friday night to deliver a stirring collection of musical substance use prevention messages at the 14th Annual New Jersey Shout Down Drugs Prevention Concert held at Daytop New Jersey by PDFNJ. Maria Chung, a student at Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan in Bergen County, won first place for her original song, “You Could Have Done Better.”

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Experts and Residents Examine Impact, Solutions to Opioid Crisis at Hudson County Town Hall

JERSEY CITY — A group of Hudson County and national experts on the opioid epidemic provided a comprehensive view of the deadly epidemic for an audience of hundreds of county residents who attended Tuesday’s Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall, organized by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey.

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Cape May County Experts and Residents Seek Solutions at Opioid Town Hall

DENNIS TWP. — A group of Cape May County residents engaged in dialogue with experts, who advocated for a diverse and coordinated response to help find solutions to the statewide opioid crisis at a Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall held Thursday morning, sponsored by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey.

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PDFNJ and PSEG Foundation Bring Substance Use Prevention Efforts to the Classroom

PDFNJ and the PSEG Foundation delivered the Third Grade Contract for a Healthy Life to students at Yantacaw School in Nutley on Tuesday, April 10. From left, John Latka, Senior Vice President of Electric and Gas Operations for PSE&G; Yantacaw School Principal Frank Francia; Maria Spina, Program Officer for the PSEG Foundation; Angelo Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ; and school nurse Katherine Flannery.

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Drugs Don’t Work in NJ! Seminar to Highlight Importance of Drug-Free Workplace Policies

MILLBURN – The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) will focus on substance use in the workplace next month at its annual Legal Issues of a Drug-Free Workplace Statewide Seminar.

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PDFNJ Teams with Lamar Advertising in Campaign Showing Effects of Addiction

MILLBURN – The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) has launched a new media campaign highlighting the emotional pain associated with addiction and has received help spreading that message from the advertising community.

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Horizon Foundation Helps PDFNJ Prepare Parents to Prevent Substance Use in Their Families

OLD BRIDGE – The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ), with critical support from The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, has once again ensured that thousands of New Jersey parents will be well-equipped to speak with the children about substance use.

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Ex. Dir. Angelo Valente Discusses Upcoming PDFNJ Events on Comcast Newsmakers [VIDEO]

Jill Horner speaks with Angelo Valente, Executive Director from the Partnership For A Drug-Free New Jersey, about Shout Down Drugs, Middle school PSA, and Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall Series.

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CDC Study Finds Significant Increase in Opioid Overdoses

“The CDC report released today is yet another indicator that the opioid epidemic is still raging in communities throughout the country,” PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo Valente said. “No person or community, regardless of gender, race, economic standing or any other factor, is immune to this crisis.”

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PDFNJ Announces 18 Finalists in the New Jersey Shout Down Drugs Music Competition

MILLBURN — New Jersey students representing 13 counties have been chosen as finalists in the 2018 New Jersey Shout Down Drugs music competition organized by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ).

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo M. Valente Visits NJ Recovery Center with Senator Menendez

ELIZABETH, N.J. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national health policy, today toured a local recovery center in Elizabeth, where he met with experts and individuals in recovery, and discussed additional federal resources available to help New Jersey combat the growing opioid epidemic.

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Experts and Affected Residents Unite to Discuss Opioid Crisis at PDFNJ’s Family Breakfast

MOUNT LAUREL — More than 100 New Jersey residents directly affected by the ongoing opioid crisis discussed the crisis with experts Wednesday morning at the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Third Annual Breakfast for Families and Communities Impacted by Opioid Abuse.

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Hamilton Township Students Write Winning Script in Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Middle School PSA Challenge

HAMILTON — A group of six Hamilton Township middle school students will soon be seen on televisions across New Jersey delivering a strong message on the importance of substance use prevention as part of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s (PDFNJ) annual statewide Middle School Public Service Announcement (PSA) Challenge.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo M. Valente Discusses Opioid Legislation on CBS 2

PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo Valente spoke with CBS 2 – New York about legislation adopted in New Jersey last year limiting initial opioid prescriptions to a five-day supply.

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LISTEN - PDFNJ Discusses Opioid Crisis on Salt Lake City Radio Station

PDFNJ Co-Chair Elaine Pozycki and Ex. Dir. Angelo M. Valente discussed the opioid crisis last week on the “Rod Arquette Show” on 105.9 KNRS in Salt Lake City. They discussed legislation adopted last year in New Jersey that requires prescribers to discuss with their patients the addictive nature of opioid painkillers and possible alternatives to opioids before prescribing them.

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PDFNJ Executive Director Discusses the Opioid Crisis with CBS 2

[Last] Wednesday, CBS2’s Ali Bauman had the opportunity to sit down with them [women in recovery] and find out why they’re speaking so openly and freely about their fight with addiction.

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Majority of New Jersey Residents Surveyed ‘Not Very Concerned’ About Dangers of Prescription Opioids

MILLBURN — Nearly half of New Jersey residents who participated in a recent survey report little or no concern about the potential dangers of prescription pain medication to themselves or a family member, according to the study released today by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ).

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Deadline to Enter New Jersey Shout Down Drugs Competition is February 1

MILLBURN — New Jersey high school students are invited to share their musical drug prevention messages as part of the 2018 New Jersey Shout Down Drugs music competition, organized by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

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PDFNJ Study: Media Campaign Produces Increased Efforts to Prevent Opioid Abuse

MILLBURN — Media messages motivate New Jersey residents to take action steps to prevent opioid abuse in their homes and communities, according to a study recently released by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ).

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Middlesex County Experts and Residents Hold Dialogue on Opioid Crisis at Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall

Hundreds of Middlesex County residents arrived in East Brunswick on Tuesday night to discuss the opioid crisis affecting New Jersey. The expert panel, from left, included Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey; New Jersey State Senator Joseph Vitale (D ¬– Middlesex); Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin (D – Middlesex); Vanessa Vitolo, outreach coordinator with Victory Bay Recovery Center; Bonnie Nolan, addiction services coordinator for Woodbridge Township; and moderator Bert Baron of 1450 WCTC.

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fios1news.com: East Brunswick town hall talks taking on the opioid epidemic

On Tuesday night, a town hall meeting in Middlesex County brought residents together to talk and work towards lowering that number to zero.

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This Is Jersey with Gary Gellman - Interview w/ PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo M. Valente [VIDEO]

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Experts Discuss Many Factors of Opioid Epidemic in Union County’s Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey held its 12th Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall on Tuesday in Union County. The expert panel featured, from left, Alton Robinson, Mariel Hufnagel, Pam Capaci, Sheriff Joseph Cryan, Acting Prosecutor Thomas K. Isenhour and Dr. Andrew Kaufman.

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Nationally Recognized Oral Surgeon, Other Experts Inform Doctors and Dentists on Safer Opioid Prescribing

Dr. A. Omar Abubaker, a dentist and oral surgeon who lost his son, Adam, to a heroin overdose in 2014, addressed an audience of dentists and doctors on safer prescribing of opioids at Thursday's Do No Harm Symposium hosted by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey at JFK Medical Center.

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njtvonline.org: Christie defends president’s opioid crisis declaration [VIDEO]

Critics in the substance abuse treatment community Friday continued to find fault with Donald Trump’s approach to solving the nation’s opioid epidemic. The president declared a temporary public health emergency that included no extra federal funding. Trump promised treatment, but emphasized anti-drug education.

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njtvonline.org: HEALTH Are doctors changing their prescribing habits? [VIDEO]

Medical professionals from New York and New Jersey were taking notes at a “Do No Harm” symposium and staring at the staggering statistics for overdose deaths in just the first half of 2016 compared to all of 2015.

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cinnaminsonsun.com: Burlington County talks impact and solutions to opioid abuse at Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall

Burlington County residents and other officials gathered at Rowan College at Burlington County in Mt. Laurel last week as part of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s latest stop in the statewide “Knock Out Opioid Abuse” town hall series.

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Bergen County Volunteers and PDFNJ Continue to Spread Life-Saving Message at ‘Friday Night Lights Out to Knock Out Opioid Abuse’

PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo Valente and State Assemblyman Kevin Rooney hand out #KnockOutOpioidAbuse wristbands to fans prior to the Don Bosco versus Bergen Catholic football game Friday night.

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Somerset County Experts, Residents Focus on Opioid Epidemic at Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall

BERNARDSVILLE — Residents of Somerset County gathered at Bernards High School on Tuesday night to not only learn from experts but also to share their own knowledge and concerns about the opioid epidemic ravaging New Jersey at the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall.

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northjersey.com - Opioids: Nutley athletes raise awareness

Nutley High School student-athletes sought Friday to help educate those at high risk for opioid abuse, including themselves.

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Angelo Valente, PDFNJ Executive Director, Discusses Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day on 1450 WCTC

Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Executive Director Angelo Valente spoke with Bert Baron of 1450 WCTC about the importance of Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day. Today, volunteers around the state will be spreading critical information on the risks of prescription opioids and their link to heroin abuse. Valente also spoke about the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall Series, which will be moving to Somerset County on October 10.

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SAVE THE DATE: Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day in New Jersey - October 6, 2017

The statewide single-day initiative will mobilize the prevention and treatment communities, community leaders and concerned citizens to raise awareness of the potential for dependency on prescribed pain medicine and its link to heroin abuse rates in our state. Teams of volunteerswill visit physician and dental offices, as well as homes in local communities, to distribute this vital information.

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Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall Brings Opioid Discussion to Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties

SEWELL — Residents of Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties gathered at Rowan College at Gloucester County to join the conversation on the opioid epidemic ravaging families and communities throughout the state at Wednesday night’s Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall held by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ).

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njherald.com: Opioid crisis unites public, professionals at town hall

ANDOVER TOWNSHIP -- The opioid epidemic is very real and very much in our own backyards. So what is being done about it? That was the question at the forefront Friday morning at The Center for Prevention and Counseling during the Knock Out Opioid Abuse town hall, a series presented by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

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Sussex County Residents Focus on Solutions to Opioid Epidemic at Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall

ANDOVER — A standing-room-only crowd of Sussex County residents packed The Center for Prevention & Counseling on Friday to join the conversation on the statewide opioid epidemic gripping New Jersey at the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall.

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Medical Professionals Gather to Develop Solutions to Opioid Abuse Epidemic at Do No Harm Symposium

HACKETTSTOWN — Dozens of medical professionals gathered at Hackettstown Regional Medical Center on Tuesday to learn what role they can play in stemming the current opioid crisis at the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s (PDFNJ) Do No Harm Symposium.

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comcastnewsmakers.com [VIDEO]: Angelo Valente, Ex. Dir. PDFNJ Sits Down with Jill Horner

Jill Horner speaks with Angelo Valente, Executive Director from the Partnership For a Drug-Free New Jersey, about the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall Series.

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PDFNJ Fishing Tournament Brings Families Together

MILLBURN — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey announced six winners today in its third annual Don’t Get Hooked on Drugs Online NJ Family Fishing Tournament.

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Pres. Trump declares opioid crisis is a national emergency, pledges more money and attention

President Trump on Thursday declared the country’s opioid crisis a national emergency, saying the scourge exceeded anything he had seen with other drugs in his lifetime.

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3rd Annual Don't Get Hooked on Drugs Fishing Contest!

Online NJ Family Fishing Tournament - Over $600 in Cash Prizes! - August 4-13: Go fishing with your family in NJ. Take a photo of you and your child fishing for a chance to win. Like us on Facebook at PartnershipForADrugFreeNewJersey or follow us on Twitter @drugfreenj and Instagram at drugfreenj, then post the picture of your group and tag it with #drugfreenj

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BATTLING THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC

This special two part broadcast airing on Friday July 21st and repeated on Friday, August 18th, from 9 PM to 10 PM focuses on the critical problem facing America. These shows, part I will air the week of September 19th, part II the week of September 26, 2017 on CUNY TV, airing 8 times during the week.

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Hamilton Township Students Write Winning Script in PDFNJ’s Middle School PSA Challenge

The winners of the 2017 Middle School PSA Challenge are, from left, Alyssa Johnson, Matthew Valyo, Ashley Schoener, Regina Jannetto, Hannah Linkowsky and Meghan Krencicki from Grice Middle School in Hamilton Township.

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PDFNJ Claims Two First-Place Trophies at NJ Ad Club Jersey Awards

MILLBURN — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) earned five awards, including two first prizes, at the 49th Annual NJ Ad Club Jersey Awards held Wednesday, June 7.

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Gov. Chris Christie Stresses Increased Prescriber Education, Destigmatizing Addiction in Do No Harm Keynote Speech on Opioid Crisis

Gov. Chris Christie addressed medical professionals Monday, June 12, at the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Do No Harm symposium at Morristown Medical Center. The governor was joined on stage by Partnership Chair Elaine Pozycki and Executive Director Angelo Valente.

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Former Gov. James Florio Honored with Drugs Don’t Work in NJ! Founder’s Award at Annual Seminar

Former Gov. James Florio, left, pictured alongside Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Executive Director Angelo Valente, received the Drugs Don’t Work in NJ! Founder’s Awards for his foresight and vision in establishing Drugs Don’t Work in NJ! to help New Jersey businesses at Wednesday’s annual Legal Issues of a Drug-Free Workplace Statewide Seminar held at Saint Peter’s University.

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Register Now for the 20th Annual Legal Issues of a Drug-Free Workplace Seminar

Governor James J. Florio will be presented with the Drugs Don’t Work in NJ! Founder’s Award for his foresight and vision in establishing Drugs Don’t Work in NJ as a resource for the New Jersey business community to be compassionate and competitive.

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Bergen County Teens Win Statewide Substance Abuse Prevention Music Competition

NEW BRUNSWICK – The musical substance abuse prevention messages of 21 high school students cascaded from the stage at Rutgers University’s Nicholas Music Center on Friday, May 19, at the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s 13th Annual New Jersey Shout Down Drugs Prevention Concert.

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tapinto.net: Huge Crowd Attends Opioid Abuse Discussion in Morristown

MORRISTOWN, NJ —The Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall meeting drew a capacity crowd seeking to learn from a panel of experts and engage in a discussion about the opioid crisis. The event, sponsored the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the Community Coalition for a Safe & Healthy Morris, allowed Morris County residents to join the conversation surrounding the opioid epidemic.

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Parsippany hosts 'Knockout Opioid Abuse' town hall meeting [VIDEO]

The goal of the town hall is to help people understand addiction and help protect their families

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Watch Alert: PDFNJ Ex. Dir, Angelo M. Valente on State of Affairs

PDFNJ Ex. Dir., Angelo M. Valente appeared on State of Affairs with Steve Adubato to discuss the opioid epidemic, PDFNJ's role in the fight against addiction, and the important collaboration PDFNJ has with Horizon Foundation of New Jersey to combat this crisis.

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Student Finalists in Statewide Drug Prevention Folder Artwork Contest Recognized at Award Ceremony

SAYREVILLE, N.J. — More than 6,000 fourth grade students from across New Jersey participated in the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Fourth Grade Folder contest, but just 30 earned their way to the award ceremony held May 3 at the Middlesex County Fire Academy.

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[VIDEO] Governor Christie Lauds Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Efforts to Combat Opioid Epidemic

TOMS RIVER — Governor Chris Christie praised the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) for its leadership in the state and country in the fight against the opioid crisis, during a press conference on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day being held Saturday, April 29.

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comcastnewsmakers.com: [VIDEO] Town Hall Meetings about a Drug Free NJ with Angelo Valente

Jill Horner speaks with Angelo Valente, Executive Director from the Partnership For a Drug-Free New Jersey, about Town Hall Meetings in NJ addressing the opioid epidemic.

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dailyrecord.com: Heroin scourge in focus for Morris Sheriff Gannon in first 100 days

On June 4, Morris County Sheriff Gannon plans to open the Hope Wing at the Morris County correctional facility in Morris Township. A jail pod, or unit, with about 50 beds will be designated for eligible inmates who want to voluntarily use their time confined to start overcoming addiction

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Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall Series Kicks Off in Atlantic County

GALLOWAY — Atlantic County residents arrived at Stockton University on Monday to join the conversation on the opioid crisis facing the nation at the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s first Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall.

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pressofatlanticcity.com: Atlantic County residents explore how to tackle opioid epidemic

The gathering, organized by Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, was one in a series of events taking place statewide to fuel discussion about the skyrocketing rates of addiction and overdoses.

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snjtoday.com: Drug Symposium Educates Nursing Students in Salem County

PENNS GROVE, N.J. - Opioid abuse is tragically a growing issue not only here in the Garden Sate, but across the entire country. In response to this epidemic, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey organization made its way to Salem County to educate nursing students on the staggering statistics that are growing each year.

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foxnews.com: Most teens who abuse opioids 1st got them from a doctor

Most American teenagers who abuse opioid drugs first received the drugs from a doctor, a new study finds.

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Horizon Supports PDFNJ Efforts to Empower Parents to Prevent Opioid and Other Substance Misuse in Their Family

MILLBURN --- Deciding when and how to talk to your kids about drugs can be a big decision. Thanks to the support of the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, for the 17th year, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) is able to provide parents information on how and when to have those conversations.

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mtlaurelsun.com - Sun Editorial: End to the ‘American Epidemic?’

New Jersey is aiming to attack the opioid problem at its source — the prescriber.

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pressofatlanticcity.com: JTAC brings religious, faith based leaders together to address addiction

MAYS LANDING — Seeking guidance and help from a religious or faith-based leader is common for families and people impacted by addiction.

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fios1news.com: Gov. Christie signs new legislation aimed at curbing opioid addiction [VIDEO]

The new law limits the initial supply of pain pills that can be prescribed and aids people getting into addiction treatment

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comcastnewsmakers.com: [VIDEO] Opioid Abuse Epidemic with Angelo Valente of Partnership for a Drug-Free NJ

Jill Horner speaks with Angelo Valente, Executive Director from the Partnership for a Drug-Free NJ, about Opioid Abuse Epidemic.

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nj1015.com: Christie signs new painkiller prescription limit into law

Completing a challenge issued to the legislature in his State of the State address last month and continuing his most aggressive, innovative campaign in the nation against drug addiction, Governor Christie signed into law today his life-saving healthcare reform that will guarantee insurance coverage for people to access immediate treatment and to limit initial opioid prescriptions.

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We need a comprehensive approach to N.J.'s opioid crisis | Opinion

Robert A. Marino, Chairman, President & CEO of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, and a member of PDFNJ’s Executive Committee, has authored a recent Star-Ledger editorial calling for the need for a comprehensive approach to address New Jersey’s opioid epidemic.

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app.com: New opioid law would put NJ out front

Six years after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared prescription drug overdoses “An American Epidemic,” the state Legislature is set to enact the strongest measures in the country to cut into the opioid and heroin crisis.

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New Jersey: First in the Nation to Require Physicians to Discuss Addictive Qualities of Opiates Prior to Prescribing

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Joseph Lagana, Nancy Pinkin, Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Marlene Caride, Ralph Caputo and Benjie Wimberly enlisting the aid of healthcare providers in discussing the dangers of certain opioid medications prior to issuing a prescription to patients who are minors was signed into law on Monday.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo M. Valente, five others win Everyday Hero Awards from NJTV

Angelo M. Valente accepts his award for prevention from John Servidio, General Manager, NJTV at NJTV's Healthy NJ: New Jersey's Drug Addiction Crisis Everyday Heroes Award Celebration.

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app.com: Advocates, critics react to Christie's sweeping drug plan

Anti-drug advocates hailed Gov. Chris Christie's pledge Tuesday to make New Jersey's addiction crisis a top job in the final year of his term in office, but there were worries about funding and follow through.

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PDFNJ Applauds Governor’s Prevention Plan in State of State Address

MILLBURN --- The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey applauds Governor Chris Christie for his announcement today during the 2017 State of the State address, highlighting the fact that the majority of heroin addicts first became addicted through the use of prescription opioids and four out of every five new heroin users got started by misusing prescription painkillers.

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OPIOID ADDICTION HEADS TO GOVERNOR'S DESK

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Joseph Lagana, Nancy Pinkin, Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Marlene Caride, Ralph Caputo and Benjie Wimberly enlisting the aid of healthcare providers in discussing the dangers of certain opioid medications prior to issuing a prescription to patients who are minors was approved, 77-0, by the full Assembly on Monday.

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Bill Would Require Minors Getting Opioids Be Notified of Addiction Risk [VIDEO]

The state’s opioid addiction toll on young people is staggering. Last year 1,587 people died of overdoses. The Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse reported some 4,200 people under the age of 25 were admitted to substance abuse treatment programs in 2012.

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Lagana, Pinkin, Vainieri Huttle, Caride, Caputo & Wimberly Bill Enlisting the Aid of Physicians in the Conversation with Teens on Opioid Addiction Advances

(TRENTON) – An Assembly panel on Monday approved legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Joseph Lagana, Nancy Pinkin, Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Marlene Caride, Ralph Caputo and Benjie Wimberly enlisting the aid of healthcare providers in discussing the dangers of certain opioid medications prior to issuing a prescription to patients who are minors.

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VITALE-WEINBERG BILL REQUIRING CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS ON PRESCRIBING OPIOIDS CLEARS SENATE

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg that would require certain health care professionals to complete continuing education credits on topics related to prescription opioids cleared the Senate today.

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State Dental Association, NJDA, Leads Conversation on Safe Prescribing

Mark Vitale, President of the New Jersey Dental Association (NJDA) and Angelo Valente, Executive Director, PDFNJ attend the Do No Harm symposium at Monmouth Medical Center to educate members of the dental community on the heroin and prescription drug abuse epidemic in New Jersey and develop solutions to stem the public health crisis.

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Over 2,000 New Jerseyans Took to The Streets to Knock Out Opiate Abuse on October 6th

Throughout New Jersey thousands of moms, dads, prevention and treatment professionals, students and concerned citizens are taking to the streets to raise awareness about the opiate abuse epidemic impacting our state.

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nj.com: Narcan used 18K times on N.J. overdose victims since 2014

Since 2014, New Jersey emergency officials have deployed opioid overdose reversal drug Narcan more than 18,000 times. It's the clearest indicator we have about how many overdoses have occurred in NJ.

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statnews.com: Drug maker thwarted plan to limit OxyContin prescriptions at dawn of opioid epidemic

...an investigation by STAT has found that Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin, thwarted the state’s plan by paying a middleman, known as a pharmacy benefits manager, to prevent insurers from limiting prescriptions of the drug.

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NJ State Senator Lesniak Announces Legislation to Curb New Jersey’s Opiate Abuse Epidemic

PATERSON – Senator Raymond J. Lesniak (D-20), today, unveiled his plan to introduce legislation that is geared at reducing the number of New Jersey residents who become dependent on a prescribed opiate, at a press conference at Eva’s Village, Paterson.

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Congratulations to the 2016 Online Fishing Tournament Winners

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snjtoday.com: Cumberland County Joins New Jersey in Knocking Out Opioid Abuse

MILLVILLE, N.J. – 2,000 volunteers across the state joined together on Thursday in hopes of knocking out the growing epidemic of opiate abuse. In Millville, the community and local police partnered with Drug-Free New Jersey to participate in Knock Out Opiate Abuse Day.

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Glen Rock Surgeon 'Knocks Out Opiate Abuse'

Dr. Balzani and Kathy Balzani, volunteers for Knock Out Opiate Abuse Day, along with Angelo Valente, Ex. Director of PDFNJ, present information on safe prescribing as part of Knock Out Opiate Abuse Day to Dr Robert Kayal, MD/FAAOS and Leon Colao of Kayal Orthopedic Center in Glen Rock, NJ.

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Girl Scout's Gold Award Project Brings AMCC Dropbox to East Orange

An AMCC Medicine Dropbox was brought to the East Orange, New Jersey, community with the concerted efforts of Alexis Lobaina as her Girl Scouts Gold Award project. From left to right is Sgt. Yasmine Johnson, East Orange Police Dept. Community Relations; Alexis Lobaina; Chief Phyllis L. Bindi; and Joel Torres, ADAPT Senior Coordinator.

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app.com: Volunteers to make house calls to doctors about opioids

Volunteers working to lower the death toll from the heroin epidemic will pay doctors a visit Oct. 6, delivering a message about what federal authorities believe is the best way to attack the crisis.

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Clergy become first responders in Opiate Abuse Epidemic

Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey welcomed attendees to the Faith based Do No Harm Symposium held at the First Presbyterian Church of Woodbridge. The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Do No Harm Symposium was geared for faith-based leaders who want to learn more about the opiate epidemic and how they can help prevent the spread and help support families of the addicted.

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Chasing the Dragon: Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Prevention Training Session

JERSEY CITY -- A prescription drug abuse and heroin prevention training session was held today at Saint Peter’s University, to educate community stakeholders, local law enforcement, and education officials on the ongoing efforts to educate New Jersey’s youth and young adults about the perils of heroin and prescription drug abuse.

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US Surgeon General’s "Turn the Tide" Initiative Drives Home Need for Action to Ensure Doctors Educate Patients & Themselves on Opiate Addiction

At a NJ addiction forum, hosted by Senators Booker and Menendez in cooperation with Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called doctors and other healthcare providers “the first line of defense in the battle against addiction”.

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Angelo Valente, Ex. Dir. of PDFNJ, Appears on Comcast Newsmakers to Discuss Knock Out Opiate Abuse Day

Candace Kelley speaks with Angelo Valente, Executive Director from the Partnership for a Drug-Free NJ, about Knock Out Opiate Abuse Day. Follow us on Twitter: @drugfreenj and Facebook. Recorded on: 8/3/2016.

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Surgeon General Calls on Prescribers to Mobilize to Prevent Opioid Abuse

LIVINGSTON -- U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, brought his Turn the Tide tour to New Jersey today, to discuss the current opiate abuse epidemic impacting the state, and discuss action steps physicians can take to stem the tide of the epidemic. The Surgeon General is currently on a national tour designed to educate and mobilize prescribers to take immediate action to end this epidemic.

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PDFNJ to Host United States Surgeon General at Opioid Forum at St. Barnabas Medical Center

With the leadership of New Jersey’s United States Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is pleased to invite you to join us as we welcome United States Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to New Jersey for a Forum on Addiction and Healing on August 8, 2016. Joined by Under Secretary for Health at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, and moderated by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, Surgeon General Murthy, Senators Menendez and Booker, will address New Jersey’s Heroin and Opioid Abuse Crisis at this forum.

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PDFNJ Honored by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey

Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey’s representative, Chris Barton, accepts the Mental Health Association in New Jersey’s Spotlight on Excellence in Addiction Services Award from Carolyn Beauchamp, President and CEO of MHANJ, at the organizations recent annual Evening of Excellence Dinner.

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2016 PDFNJ Parent Tracking Study Featured on Comcast Newsmakers

Jill Horner of Comcast Newsmakers speaks with Angelo Valente, Ex. Dir. of PDFNJ, about the 2016 Parent Tracking Study

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PDFNJ's Third Grade Contract for a Healthy Life Initiative Selects Two Random Winners

Over 25,000 3rd grade students received contracts from more than 1100 classrooms, while over 260 schools participated. Congratulations!

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Statewide Study Finds Nearly 1 in 3 Parents Do Not Link Painkillers with Heroin Abuse

MILLBURN – As New Jersey battles an opioid abuse epidemic, a Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) study, released today, found that nearly one in three parents of New Jersey middle school students do not believe there is a link between painkillers prescribed for things like sports injuries and wisdom tooth removal and the rising use of heroin in New Jersey.

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nj.com: Physicians, drug officials speak on opiate abuse: 'Many in the medical community were duped'

Physicians from across Hudson County and the state gathered at CarePoint Health's Hoboken University Medical Center on 6/10/16 to discuss what medical professionals can do to curtail this epidemic.

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PDFNJ Honored at Jersey Awards Dinner by NJ Ad Club for Before They Prescribe-You Decide Campaign

Executive Director Angelo M. Valente proudly holds the 1st place award given to PDFNJ.

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Listen to the Whole 2016 NJSDD Concert!

All the performers and winning acts can now be heard in their entirety from the concert on 5/25/16!

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National and State Leaders Gather at CarePoint to Develop Solutions to NJ Opioid Abuse Epidemic

HOBOKEN-- With New Jersey in the grips of an opioid abuse epidemic, physicians from across the county and state gathered at the CarePoint Health’s Hoboken University Medical Center for the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s (PDFNJ) Do No Harm Symposium, today, to discuss and develop solutions to stem this public health crisis.

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And the 2016 NJSDD Winners Are...

Congratulations to our winners! From left to right: PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo Valente, 1st place finalists Juan Ferreria, Alexia Velaquez and Ayman Abdalla of AJani, second place finalist Michelle Greco,third place finalist Ricky Persaud Jr, and WCTC 1450AM on-air talent and host of the concert Bert Baron. ‪#‎shoutdowndrugs‬

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newyork.cbslocal.com: New Jersey Lawmakers Hoping To Limit Opioid Prescriptions To Teens [VIDEO]

HOWELL, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — A new bill in New Jersey could help fight the national epidemic of prescription drug abuse.

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nj1015.com- More than prayer: NJ houses of worship tackling heroin crisis

With more and more New Jerseyans getting hooked on prescription painkillers and heroin, the Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey is reaching out to the faith-based community for help. A drug awareness symposium held in Lawrence attracted several Central Jersey religious leaders on Thursday.

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PDFNJ Honors Sen. Joseph F. Vitale at Angela of Hope Gala

Sen. Joseph F. Vitale (D-19), Chairman of the Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee, was the honoree at the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's Angel of Hope Gala. Steve and Elaine Pozycki, gala chairs, presented Senator Vitale with the Angel of Hope award for his dedication to eliminating substance abuse in New Jersey.

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nj1015.com: NJ heroin crisis: Many Parents Clueless About Prescription-Drug Connection

Despite ongoing efforts to educate New Jersey parents about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, a new study finds many moms and dads remain completely in the dark.

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NJ Sens. Menendez and Booker Join PDFNJ Ex. Dir, Angelo Valente in Bergenfield

PDFNJ Ex. Dir Angelo M. Valente joins Sens. Menendez and Booker in Bergenfield for the installation of an American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC) permanent prescription drug drop box. This event was held to raise awareness about the need to dispose of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine.

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Student Finalists in Statewide Drug Prevention Folder Artwork Contest Recognized at Newark Museum Ceremony

(NEWARK, NJ) – Over 6,000 fourth grade students from across New Jersey participated and 30 were selected as finalists and recognized at the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) Design a Fourth Grade Folder Contest Award Ceremony on April 27, 2016.

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njtvonline.org: Opioid Addiction Forum Focuses on Prevention, Over Prescribing, Treatment [VIDEO]

These days, it’s not too hard to fill a room full of people when you tell them there’s an event to discuss opioid addiction. That’s because there are fewer and fewer lives that haven’t been touched by the epidemic. “We’re not going to solve this problem in isolation and we know that everyone together is the only way we’re going to be able to work toward solutions that could be very effective in our state,” said Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Executive Director Angelo Valente.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir Angelo M. Valente Appears on Fox 5/Good Day Street Talk

Angelo Valente [center], along with Joel Pomales [right] Clinical Outreach Coordinator and Director of Advocacy With College Recovery, will be featured on Fox 5/Good Day Street Talk Saturday, April 2nd at 6am.

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PDFNJ and President Obama Both Speak at National Rx Summit in Atlanta

President Obama and PDFNJ both participated in the National Rx Summit held in Atlanta between March 28th and April 1st.

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From Times Square to Town Squares

New York, NY – A national Public Service Campaign (PSA) "You Decide Before They Prescribe," geared at educating parents on the link between prescribed prescription pain medicine and heroin abuse and encouraging them to speak to their doctor regarding the addictive qualities of pain medicine and the possible alternatives. From left: Steven J. Pozycki, Founder, Chairman and CEO of SJP Properties, Elaine Pozycki, Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) Board of Trustees Co-Chair, and Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ

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hhnmag.com: Provocative Times Square Billboard Warns Parents Against Opioid Dangers

A heroin addiction can start in the most innocent of places, not under a bridge, but in the dentist’s chair or pediatrician’s office. As noted in H&HN’s previous coverage, there is an opioid epidemic raging across the U.S., killing thousands of Americans every day. Often, doctors are prescribing pain pills like oxycodone for sports injuries, kids end up getting hooked, and when the Rx dries up, they turn to street heroin that’s stronger, cheaper and easier to obtain.

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New Jersey Shout Down Drugs! Music Competition Announces Finalists

New Jersey Shout Down Drugs challenges high school students to create original music and lyrics with powerful substance abuse prevention messages to allow teens to deliver the prevention message to each other through their favorite medium of music. County Finalists are chosen by peer judges to perform their original songs at the Annual Statewide Prevention Concert, held in May, at a state-of-the-art venue. First, second and third place winners are chosen by a panel of judges that night to receive music contracts worth $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 respectively to perform their winning songs at different events throughout the state during the year

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nj1015.com: Heroin Epidemic: NJ Parents Told to be Wary of Having Pain Pills Prescribed to Kids

Before they were shooting heroin, they most likely were popping pills. A new national campaign is being rolled out Thursday to heighten awareness about the danger of opiate-based drug prescriptions, which officials say evolved into heroin abuse for young people. New Jersey is one of the states hardest hit by the heroin-addiction epidemic.

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Angel of Hope Gala Celebrates 25 Years of Providing Hope to Families Throughout New Jersey

On May 5, 2016, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey will host its 25th Anniversary Angel of Hope Gala at the Pleasantdale Chateau, in West Orange, NJ. Join Elaine and Steve Pozycki, Gala Chairs, as we honor Senator Joseph Vitale for his legislative leadership in addressing the epidemic of opiate abuse.

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Free Networking Seminar On March 23 Focuses On Creating and Maintaining a Drug-Free Workplace

Creating and maintaining a drug-free workplace is not always an easy task for business owners, managers and human resource professionals. On 3/23/16, a free networking seminar will take place which focuses on this very topic. Legal Issues of Creating and Maintaining a Drug-Free Workplace Environment will be held at the Hunterdon County Complex, Assembly Room, Building No. 1, 314 State Route 12, Flemington

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njtvonline.org: PDFNJ Ex. Dir Angelo M. Valente Testifies Before NJ Senate Committee About NJ’s Opioid Abuse Epidemic

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey says it holds meetings for doctors called Do No Harm. “What’s amazing is 90 percent of the physicians who attended these symposiums — doctors and dentists — 90 percent of them said they plan to change their prescribing habits,” said Executive Director Angelo Valente.

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Engaging Faith Based Leaders in Community Prevention Efforts

Angela Conover, Director of Media, Marketing & Community Relations Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and Rebecca Alfaro, Deputy Executive Director Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse present a workshop entitled "Engaging Faith Based Leaders in Community Prevention Efforts" at the 26th annual CADCA Leadership Forum in National Harbor, MD.

Lauren and Carol Verrasto, of Park Middle School, Awarded iPad for Participation in PDFNJ/Horizon Foundation of NJ 5th Grade Parent Alert Program

Over 30,000 5th Grade Students participated in this program throughout the state. This initiative is designed to provide information on substance abuse trends and tips to prevent substance abuse to New Jersey parents of 5th grade students.

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comcastnewsmakers.com: [VIDEO] Do No Harm Campaign and Drug Abuse

Jill Horner speaks with Angelo Valente, Executive Director from the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, about their Do No Harm Campaign and Drug Abuse

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nj1015.com - Dangerous heroin pills could have ‘severe consequences,’ expert says

As we begin a new year, an old and all-too familiar problem continues to haunt many individuals and families – New Jersey’s heroin epidemic. Now we get word the drug is becoming increasingly available, this time in pill form.

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njtvonline.org: Survey Finds Doctors Prescribed Opioids to Patients, Even After Abuse

A Boston Medical Center survey of 2,800 patients who had overdosed on opioids found 91 percent were still prescribed opioids, and many by the same doctor. Seven percent overdosed again.

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newjersey.news12.com: Dangerous form of marijuana known as 'shatter' comes to NJ

Anti-drug advocates are warning parents about a new dangerous form of marijuana that has made its way to New Jersey. The potent version of the drug goes by many names, including “shatter,” “honey,” or “dab.” It is consumed by either smoking or inhaling with a vaporizer.

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nj1015.com - New type of marijuana could be ‘extremely dangerous,’ expert

Experts are warning that Shatter is dangerous, for a variety of reasons. Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, said Shatter is five times more potent than regular pot, and it can easily ignite, because it’s made by combining marijuana and butane gas.

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njtvonline.org: Parental Notification Act Aims to Prevent Opioid Addiction [VIDEO]

Twenty years ago, the drug company, Purdue Pharma, introduced a prescription opioid it advertised as safe. It was Oxycontin. Opioid prescriptions given to elementary and high school students have been linked to an increased risk in illegal drug use among young adults, and overdose deaths have reached record highs every year for the last 15 years. There’s mounting support for a bill that would require parents be notified of the dangers of opioids before their kids are dosed.

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nj.com: Welcome to Herointown, N.J.'s 4th largest city

What would happen if everyone in N.J. addicted to heroin and opioids was sent to live in one place? It would be the state's fourth largest city, boasting a population of at least 128,000.

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New Jersey Officials Call On Doctors To Be More Responsible When Prescribing Painkillers [VIDEO]

CBS 3 Philadelphia: Health officials say nearly two million Americans either abuse or depend upon prescription pain killers. Now some New Jersey lawmakers are calling on doctors to be more responsible.

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northjersey.com - Harrison: Combating opiate addiction

THE SCOURGE of opiate addiction has been well-documented on the pages of The Record, and the too-typical pattern of addiction is well-known to many suburban parents throughout the state. A young person, often a teenager, is introduced to prescription opiate painkillers – either because of an injury or recreationally. The high from these painkillers is swift and addictive, and all too often a downward spiral ensues.

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Bergen.com: Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey holds 2015 Family Opiate Breakfast in Teaneck

Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey held its Family Opiate Breakfast at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe, for all those who have been affected by opiate abuse. At left, Steve Brosko, Anna Marie Van Eck, Kathleen Huber and Don Hebert (Photo by Tav Jinivizian)

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NJ group aims to spread awareness, help families overcome opiate addiction (video)

Prescriber education, consumer education and advocacy are some of the goals discussed in the lecture.

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White House Recognizes Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey for the Second Time in 5 Years

PDFNJ takes great pride in sharing the announcement that was made today by President Barack Obama in the 2015 National Drug Control Strategy recognizing the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Do No Harm symposium series.

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PSE&G President/COO Ralph LaRossa Recognized by PDFNJ

Ralph LaRossa, center, President and Chief Operating Officer of PSE&G, was presented a Resolution of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Board of Trustees by Executive Director Angelo Valente, left, on October 28, recognizing the many years of support of Mr. LaRossa and PSE&G to PDFNJ’s statewide substance abuse prevention initiatives. Joining them is John Latka, right, PSE&G Senior Vice President - Electric & Gas Operations, who was elected to the Board of Trustees in May, 2015.

PDFNJ Online Fishing Tournament Encourages Hundreds of NJ Families to Spend Quality Time Together

MILLBURN, NJ – Hundreds of NJ families spent time together fishing in state rivers, lakes, bays and the Atlantic Ocean along the shore as part of an effort to motivate families to spend time with their children to prevent substance abuse. The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey held the first "Don't Get Hooked on Drugs" Online New Jersey Family Fishing Tournament in August 2015.

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NJBIA Webinar on Drugs Don’t Work in NJ

Trenton: Angelo. M Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, and Stephen Trimboli, Esq., of Trimboli & Prusinowski, L.L.C., present a Drug’s Don’t Work in NJ! webinar for members of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) on Legal Issues of Creating and Maintaining a Drug-Free Workplace Environment.

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Lt. Governor Guadagno, Religious Leaders Gather To Address NJ’s Opiate Abuse Epidemic

MORRISTOWN – Turning to a faith leader to help address substance abuse addiction in a loved one is often the first step for a family. The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) coordinated a free training to provide resources and information to those Faith Based leaders.

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nj.com: The 15 N.J. towns with the highest rates of heroin treatment

New Jersey's heroin crisis is likely closer to you than you think. Much has been made of the deadly drug's crawl into suburbia, but it isn't until you take a closer look that this becomes completely clear.

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New Jersey Takes Steps in Preventing Prescription Drug Abuse through Prescription Drug Monitoring

Governor Chris Christie signed legislation, July 20, 2015, that expands the New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs Prescription Monitoring Program (NJPMP), an online database that tracks the prescription sale of drugs classified as controlled dangerous substances (CDS). The bill, S-1998, expands existing law by requiring that prescribers and pharmacists register for NJPMP access, and requiring that physicians consult the NJPMP.

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njspotlight.com: New Jersey Cranks Up Its Efforts To Fight Opioid Addiction, Deaths

Opioid addiction is a fast-growing threat both in New Jersey and across the country, with the toll of lives lost and families left bereft climbing daily. In 2014 alone, for example, there were 600 fatal heroin overdoses.

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NJ HOSPITALS, LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERING TO FIGHT DEADLY EPIDEMIC OF OPIATES OVERDOSE

(FREEHOLD) Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato, and Ex. Dir of PDFNJ Anglo M. Valente, announced a new partnership with all hospitals in their respective counties at a joint press conference Wednesday morning. Barnabas Health-affiliated hospitals, CentraState Medical Center and Meridian Health-affiliated hospitals have each stepped forward in the fight to stem the tide of the overdose epidemic by agreeing to replenish the overdose antidote naloxone for law enforcement officers free of charge.

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Parents Alert: More Dangerous Than Cocaine, Cheaper Than a Big Mac

The hottest designer drug to hit the underground market is a cousin of bath salts known as flakka. Placed on the U.S. list of illegal controlled substances in 2014, flakka’s popularity has surged, especially in Florida, where it arrives in droves from China through the mail. The drug has reportedly also shown up in Ohio, Texas and Illinois. Other states, such as New York, have issued warnings about it.

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PDFNJ Remembers Gerry Marini, Founder of Drugs Don't Work in NJ

Gerry was an intricate and beloved member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey family and his passion for the issue of substance abuse prevention, knowledge and historical perspective will be sorely missed by all.

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Student Finalists in Statewide Drug Prevention Folder Contest Announced

(NEWARK, NJ) – Over 8,000 fourth grade students from across New Jersey participated in the fifteenth annual Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Design a Fourth Grade Folder Contest.

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Do No Harm Symposium in Morris County Addresses Opiate Abuse and NJ’s Correctional Facilities

MORRISTOWN – Physicians in Morristown and neighboring counties had the opportunity to learn more about the prescription drug and heroin abuse epidemic in New Jersey, and the effect of the epidemic on our correction facilities.

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Listen to the 2015 NJSDD Concert on the WCTC Podcast

The 2015 New Jersey Shout Down Drugs Concert is available as a podcast. WCTC broadcast the concert on April 21, 2015 and is making it available to anyone who would like to listen.

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NJ Leaders Encourage Residents to Spring Clean Their Medicine Cabinet in the First NJ Rx Drug Spring Cleaning Initiative

WEST NEW YORK --- NJ leaders want families across the state to get cleaning this Sat., and participate in the first ever Rx Drug Spring Cleaning: Spring Clean Your Medicine Cabinet event. This public health initiative is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, the need to safely dispose of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine, and the over 150 locations across the state that are equipped to accept disposed medicine.

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Essex Co. Teens Win PDFNJ’s Statewide Drug Prevention Music Competition

NEWARK, NJ –Josiah Valerius, Millie Diaz, Carlos Duran, Hennesis Encarnacion and Janisse Lantigua members of the band Dominant Collective were named the first place winner for their song “The Drug PSA”, in the 11th Annual PDFNJ’s Shout Down Drugs Prevention Concert. The statewide champions are students at Arts High School in Newark, Essex County.

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steveadubato.org: [VIDEO] Are Physicians Keeping Life-Threatening Information from Patients?

Dr. Shuvendu Sen, Associate Program Director, Internal Medicine Residency, Raritan Bay Medical Center agrees there needs to be laws in place in the state of NJ so that physicians are required to reveal the adverse effects and possibility of addiction of prescription opiate medication to their patients.

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PDFNJ Ex. Director Angelo M. Valente Interviewed on 1450 WCTC with Bert Baron

On Wednesday, March 19th, PDFNJ Executive Director, Angelo M. Valente, appeared 1450 WCTC with Bert Baron from 7am - 8am. Valente and Baron discussed the upcoming New Jersey Shouts Down Drugs Substance Abuse Prevention Concert on April 17th at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.

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NJ Residents Want More Information on the Drug They Are Taking

TRENTON – The majority of NJ residents want the legislature to mandate that their doctor tell them if their prescription medicine is addictive and believe those conversations will reduce the number of individuals who become addicted to pain medications, according to a recent survey effort between Fairleigh Dickinson University’s independent survey research center, PublicMind, and PDFNJ.

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Sen. President Sweeney & Sen. Vitale Join With PDFNJ In Work Against Drug Abuse

TRENTON – Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator Joseph Vitale today presented PDFNJ, with a resolution declaring March 2015 as "Drug Free Awareness Month." The presentation of the Senate resolution, sponsored by Sweeney and Vitale, took place at the organization's headquarters in Millburn, New Jersey.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo M. Valente to Appear on MeTV

PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo M. Valente will be appearing on MeTV on the show, “Jersey Matters”. Angelo will be talking about substance abuse prevention and PDFNJ’s role in the community. Tune in on Saturday, March 7th at 5pm and Sunday, March 8th at 9am! This show is available on Channel 2 (Philadelphia/Delaware), Channel 3 (New York/New Jersey) on FIOS, Dish, Charter and Blue Ridge.

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Caucus: NJ - Breaking the Silence: Speaking Out About Addiction

A must-watch video for all parents. Steve Adubato speaks with four mothers who share their personal journeys in dealing with children who tragically battled opiate addiction.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo M. Valente appears on NJ Legislative Black Caucus: From Trenton to You

Angelo M. Valente recently appeared with Senator Rice on NJ Legislative Black Caucus: From Trenton to you to discuss ways to address the problems of substance abuse in New Jersey. Click "read more" for show times and channels.

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njspotlight.com: OP-ED: PREVENT OPIATE ADDICTION AT THE SOURCE THROUGH EDUCATING PATIENTS

Over the past two decades, the number of prescriptions for opiate-based painkillers has tripled, while dosages have grown stronger. The prime source for the national explosion of opiate addiction -- whether in the form of painkillers such as OxyContin or in the form of illegal street drugs such as heroin -- is the dramatic increase in the use of opiate-based prescription drugs.

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NJ.com: Tainted heroin kills 6, N.J. issues warning about 3 deadly brands

State officials from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York have identified three highly lethal brands of drugs that have been responsible for at least six overdose deaths recently, the latest twist in the state's ongoing battle with heroin and opioid abuse.

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Mothers from TalkNowNJ.com to appear on Caucus: NJ with Steve Adubato

Meg Parisi, Abby Boxman, and Donna DeStefano, three mothers who were featured in a video on TalkNowNJ.com, along with PDFNJ Executive Director, Angelo M. Valente, appeared on Caucus: New Jersey with Steve Adubato. TalkNowNJ.com also contains resources for parents on the signs and symptoms of opiate and a quiz to test parents’ knowledge of prescription drug abuse.

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MHANJ Launches New Jersey's Only Call Line Dedicated to Providing Help for Opiate Addiction

Today, the Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) is launching NJ Connect for Recovery, the only call line in the state dedicated specifically to individuals and families coping with addiction to heroin and prescription painkillers. The toll free phone number is 855-652-3737

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PDFNJ Exec Director, Angelo M. Valente Testifies in Favor of PMP Legislation

Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey testified in favor of Senate Bill, No. 1998 which would strengthen the New Jersey Prescription Drug Monitoring program as well as making it mandatory for physicians and pharmacists. The bill passed unanimously today in a hearing with the Senate Health Committee. To read the full text of the bill, click here.

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NJ.com: Clergy reminded of role in aiding the fight against addiction

NEWARK -- “You are the first-responders for families,” Fran Miceli told the 75 clergy, staff of religious institutions and law enforcement officials at the “Do No Harm” symposium in the Newark Museum last Thursday, December 4, 2014.

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Religious Leaders Gather To Address NJ’s Opiate Abuse Epidemic

NEWARK – Turning to a faith leader to help address substance abuse addiction in a loved one is often the first step for a family. PDFNJ coordinated a free training to provide resources and information to those Faith Based leaders. The Faith Based Do No Harm Symposium was held on December 4, 2014 at the Newark Museum. The symposium was sponsored by PDFNJ and DEA-New Jersey Division.

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NJ State Senator Vitale to Lead Kean University Roundtable on State's Heroin Epidemic

TRENTON – Senator Joseph F. Vitale will lead a discussion with prosecutors and state advocates on Tuesday, November 18 as part of the Kean University Center for History, Politics and Policy Roundtable series. The roundtable will cover efforts to curb the state's growing heroin and opiate abuse epidemic.

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PDFNJ & GCADA Hosting Child Break Webinars

PDFNJ will host a real time, interactive, live webinar of the 15-Minute Child Break exclusively with GCADA. Choose from 6 convenient webinars- November: • 11/25/14 @ 11:30am • 11/25/14 @ 1pm • 11/25/14 @ 3pm December: • 12/9/14 @ 11:30am • 12/9/14 @ 1pm • 12/9/14 @ 7pm

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Faith-Based Do No Harm on December 4, 2014

A symposium addressing the role of faith-based leaders in preventing substance abuse and supporting families in crisis. Join PDFNJ, the DEA-NJ, and HIDTA on 12/4/14 at 8am. Click below to register.

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PDFNJ Ex. Director, Angelo M. Valente, appears on "One-on-One with Steve Adubato"

Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey appeared on "One-on-One with Steve Adubato". Valente discussed PDFNJ’s new campaign, TalkNowNJ.com and the prescription drug and heroin epidemic in New Jersey. The program will air Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 7 pm on NJTV and 12:30am on WNET

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PDFNJ, DEA - NJ to Host Free Webinar Detailing New DEA Regulations

MILLBURN - The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration - New Jersey Division will be hosting a webinar on October 22nd at 11:30am to explain The Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act.

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PDFNJ Exec. Director Angelo M. Valente Appears on Comcast Newsmakers

Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, appeared on Comcast Newsmakers to promote the release of PDFNJ’s new web resource for parents, TalkNowNJ.com.

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NJ Parents Concerned About Rx Drugs Their Child is Prescribed, Want Information and Alternatives

MILLBURN -- NJ parents want more information when their child is prescribed opioids, according to a PDFNJ report released today. The study, conducted by FDU Public Mind Poll, found more than two-thirds of NJ parents would support a law requiring them to be notified if their child’s prescription contained a potentially addictive medication, such as an opiate or amphetamine. Nearly 9 in 10 parents say they would want to be made aware of alternative medications, if one was available.

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PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo M. Valente Speaks at RWJ Hospital Do No Harm Symposium

MIDDLESEX COUNTY — Physicians have to be the first line of defense in stemming the epidemic of heroin and prescription drug abuse sweeping New Jersey and the nation. That was the message given Wednesday by speakers at a symposium at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, the fifth one sponsored statewide this year by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

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Wayne Cabot Interviews Angelo M. Valente on WCBS 880 AM

Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, appeared with WCBS Afternoon Round-Up host, Wayne Cabot on Saturday, 9/20/14. Valente spoke about the heroin epidemic and the importance of early intervention. Click "READ MORE" to listen to the interview.

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Center for Addiction Recovery Education Services opens in Morris County

PDFNJ attended the grand opening of the Center for Addiction Recovery Education Services (CARES), the first peer-to-peer recovery center in Morris County and the fifth of it’s kind in New Jersey. (l-r) Anne Light, Public Relations, Morris County Prevention is Key, Barb Kauffman, Director of Prevention Services, Community Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Morris, Eriach Fox, Managing Director, Daytop New Jersey, Christopher Goeke, Executive Director, CARES, and Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director, Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey

Statewide Study Finds NJ Parents See Connection Between Rx Abuse and Rising Heroin Abuse in NJ, but Don’t See their Homes as an Access Point for these Addictive Drugs

MILLBURN – New Statewide Survey results released, today, by PDFNJ found that parents see their own home as being a top source for their children to access alcohol and do not see their home as an access point for prescription and over-the-counter drugs – despite the fact that a majority of parents recognize that the abuse of prescription narcotics contributes to the increase in heroin abuse rates in New Jersey.

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PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo M. Valente speaks to Salem County Doctors

PDFNJ Executive director Angelo M. Valente gave a presentation in Salem County Friday, August 22, 2014 about the dangers of prescription drug abuse in New Jersey. The presentation was attended by over 80 medical professionals.

PDFNJ, Cape May County Prosecutor Recognized for Excellence by NAGC

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE - PDFNJ along with the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office was recognized by the National Association of Government Communicators for their collaboration on their award winning campaign, “Heroin: Are you talking to your kids yet?”.

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PDFNJ & Ocean Co. Prosecutor’s Office Recognized for Excellence by the NAGC

PDFNJ, in conjunction with the NJ AG, Ocean Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth Prosecutor’s Office, and Cape May Prosecutor’s Office, was recognized by the National Association for Government Communicators for excellence in collaboration with the campaign, “Heroin: Are you talking with your kids yet?”.

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Winners of NJSDD 2014, The Whiptones, on NEWS12 NJ

The Whiptones — seniors Michael Mastellone, Derek Ritschel and Matt Korzen, and sophomore Bradley Ritschel — won a recent contest sponsored by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey - and appeared on News 12 NJ August 13, 2014.

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PDFNJ Board Member Chief Michael Pasterchick, Jr. to appear on One-on-One with Steve Adubato

PDFNJ Board Member Chief Michael Pasterchick, Jr., Middlesex Co. Pros. Office, to appear on One-on-One with Steve Adubato on Friday, 8/15. You can see the program at 7 & 11:30pm on NJTV and 12:30am on WNET.

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NJSDD 2014 10-Year Anniversary Concert Now Airing on Comcast on Demand

The 2014 Prevention Concert is being aired on Comcast On Demand NOW thru 9/12! Comcast Digital Cable customers can view the program for free. From the On Demand menu select: Get Local/Community Investment/Specials. It is also available on Comcast’s X1 Operating System as well as its local, linear channels through Labor Day (check local listings for schedule). PDFNJ thanks NJSDD sponsor, Comcast/NBCUniversal, for supporting these amazing NJ teens and making this program available for the public to enjoy!

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NJ.com: Opinion: Require prescription drug monitoring in New Jersey

By Steve and Elaine Pozycki - The prescription drug abuse epidemic and its related explosion of heroin addiction continue apace in NJ. We read about the human cost in ruined lives and premature deaths in our newspapers every day. As bills are beginning to be introduced in the General Assembly and a policy response to this acknowledged epidemic is forming, now is not the time for half-measures.

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Hear Angelo M. Valente, Ex. Dir. of PDFNJ, Interviewed in 5 Part Series on 101.5 FM

From June 23 to June 27, NJ 101.5 reporter David Matthau filed an informative and important series about the rise opioid abuse in New Jersey, featuring PDFNJ executive director, Angelo M. Valente

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NJ Senate and Assembly Declare June 9 to 13 Opioid Abuse Awareness Week

NJ Senate and Assembly urges all citizens of NJ to participate and inform themselves about opiate abuse by visiting TalkNowNJ.com.

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Morristown Medical Center Do No Harm Symposium Targets Painkiller Epidemic

Dailyrecord.com: "In 2010, enough prescription painkillers were prescribed in the United States to medicate every adult American, every four hours, for a month," Paul Fishman, U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, said Tuesday at Morristown Medical Center. "Think about that. In the year 2000, just 14 years ago, retail pharmacies dispensed 174 million opioid prescriptions, In 2009, 257 million, an increase of almost 50 percent."

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APP.com: Doctors hear about opiate prescription precautions at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

In the auditorium of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University Thursday, Meg DuPont Parisi explained to an audience of about 100 medical professionals how an addiction to prescription opiates killed her son, Patrick.

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Angelo M. Valente, Ex. Dir. of PDFNJ, Helps Raise Heroin Awareness on 107 Hours Live with 107.1FM

Heroin and opiate abuse has become a staggering problem in Monmouth and Ocean Co's. NJ is now home to over 10% of the nations heroin addicts, most of whom are between the ages of 17 & 26 years old. It is a problem that affects us all, regardless of social status. These are our neighbors and friends, our kids and their peers, dealing with this in schools and at parties and even in our own homes.

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2014 NJ Shout Down Drugs Winner Crowned

NEWARK — NJ has a new set of ambassadors to Shout Down Drugs. Michael Mastellone, Derek Ritschel, Bradley Ritschel, and Matt Korzen, students at Whippany Park High School, known as The Whiptones, are the statewide champions of the 10th Annual PDFNJ's Shout Down Drugs Prevention Concert.

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Angelo M. Valente, Ex. Dir. of PDFNJ, Appears on Good Morning America

Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, appeared recently on Good Morning America talking about the dangers of “glow parties”. These parties are aimed at teenagers as young as 16 and are billed as non-alcoholic, but authorities are concerned that MDMA (Molly) use is rampant.

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Steven J. & Elaine Pozycki Honored at PDFNJ's 2014 Angel of Hope Gala

Steven J. and Elaine Pozycki were recently honored at the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Angel of Hope Gala, for which they served as co-chairs. The Pozycki’s of SJP Properties, are also on the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Board of Trustees.

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Sayreville PD to monitor “Glow parties”

Middlesex County Acting Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and Chief John Zebrowski of the Sayreville Police Department announced today that law enforcement agencies within the county are stepping up efforts to alert parents about the growing sale and use of the illegal drug, “Molly,” at promoted events, particularly “Glow parties.” Such an event is being hosted by a Sayreville nightclub on April 12, 2014.

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PDFNJ, Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, along with Actavis, unveil an AMCC Rx Drop Box in Secaucus

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, in conjunction with Actavis, unveiled a Americvan Medicine Chest Rx Drop Box in Secaucus. The box is located in the lobby of the Secaucus Police Department at 1203 Patterson Plank Road.

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N.J. heroin crisis: Christie discusses new tool in battle against overdoses

Brick - Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and participant in the roundtable discussion, thanked Governor Christie for his leadership and concern on the issue of prescription drug and heroin abuse in New Jersey. “Narcan is a great a tool to help law enforcement and first responders to help save lives, while we continue to focus on prevention education.” Valente urged.

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AMCC Provides Middlesex Co Residents an Opportunity to Safely Dispose of their Unneeded Rx

MIDDLESEX COUNTY --- Middlesex County residents will have more opportunities to safeguard their homes from prescription drug abuse at a permanent American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC) disposal box.

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Comcast Newsmakers - PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo Valente Discusses 2014 NJSDD

PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo Valente discusses the 2014 New Jersey Shout Down Drugs music competition to be held in Newark, NJ on May 21, 2014.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Angelo M. Valente Applauds US AG Eric Holder's Response to Heroin Epidemic

Angelo Valente, Ex. Dir. of PDFNJ, says New Jersey has been focused on the issue for years and warns heroin has reached what he calls epidemic levels in the state. This problem exists in all communities, not just urban areas.

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philadelphia.cbslocal.com: Drop Off Boxes Offer A Secure And Anonymous Way To Fight Drug Abuse

Over the last six months the partnership for a drug free New Jersey has been installing permanent drop off boxes for prescription drugs. It’s called the American Medicine Chest Challenge and this is the newest box at the Atlantic County Courthouse in Mays Landing.

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AMCC Provides Atlantic Co. Residents an Opportunity to Safely Dispose of their Unwanted Rx Medicines

With the support and collaboration of Actavis, PDFNJ – the parent organization of the American Medicine Chest Challenge, recently awarded the Atlantic Co. Sheriff’s Office with a permanent collection box for the disposal of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine, the 79th permanent collection in the state of NJ. The box will be located in the vestibule of the Mays Landing Criminal Court Complex, which is open to the public from 7:30am to 5pm Monday through Friday.

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Actavis/AMCC Unveil New Drop Box in New Providence

The American Medicine Chest Challenge, in conjunction with Actavis, unveiled a brand new permanent prescription drug drop off box in New Providence.

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NJTV News: Drug-Free NJ Director Says Parents Need To Be Vigilant

Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Executive Director Angelo Valente says parents are recognizing the problem of prescription and over the counter drug abuse and must make sure medicines are locked away and properly disposed of.

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Angelo M. Valente, Ex. Dir. PDFNJ, Featured on Fox News' Geraldo at Large

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

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

PDFNJ 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, Ex. Dir., PDFNJ.

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NJ.com: The deadly hold of prescription drug abuse: Opinion

One in six American teenagers have used a Rx drug to get high. Over the period of a month, roughly 7 million Americans use Rx drugs for nonmedical reasons. Drugs are now the No. 1 accidental killer in the United States, with the vast majority of deaths caused by Rx drugs. There is now one death every 24 minutes.

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The 2014 NJSDD Music Competition is Underway

If you are a high school student and want to perform in front hundreds join the 2014 New Jersey Shout Down Drugs music competition. Cash contracts awarded to the top three finishers.

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Brielle Students Win Statewide Middle School PSA Scriptwriting Contest

Emily Brzozowski, Audrey Mannion, and Caroline Savage, 8th grade students at Brielle Elementary School, were selected as statewide winners in PDFNJ’s Annual Middle School PSA Announcement Challenge. They students competed against over 500 of their peers from every part of NJ to create the most creative and powerful substance abuse prevention television commercial script.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir, Angelo Valente, Appears on the Caucus: New Jersey Panel with Steve Adubato

Angelo Valente appeared on the Caucus: New Jersey panel with Steve Adubato discussing Rx drug abuse and what parents can do about it. Tune in to learn about this epidemic gripping New Jersey and the rest of the country.

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Hurricane Sandy Resources

Click here for resources to manage the emotional impact of Hurricane Sandy

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Heroin Prevention PSAs Urge Parents to Talk to their Children as Heroin Deaths Spike in NJ

NEW BRUNSWICK— Talking to your kids about the dangers of heroin is the theme of a new public service campaign created by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ), in collaboration with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, and the County Prosecutors in Monmouth, Ocean, and Cape May Counties.

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PDFNJ’s "Do No Harm" Symposium to be held October 30th

The Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration-New Jersey, and the New York/New Jersey HIDTA, will host the Do No Harm Symposium: Keeping it Legal and Safe in the Medical Community, A symposium with New Jersey’s medical community on the epidemic of prescription drug abuse and professional responsibilities and role of the medical community in curbing this epidemic. The event will be held on October 30, 2013 at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey. The event will be held from 8 am until 1 pm.

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In So. Plainfield, Congressman Pallone, PDFNJ, & Community Leaders Highlight Epidemic of Rx Drug Abuse

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. joined with PDFNJ & community leaders at CVS Pharmacy in So. Plainfield, NJ to announce his legislation, the Medicare Prescription Drug Integrity Act, to address new reports of inappropriate payments for prescriptions of controlled substances in Medicare’s Part D program.

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Angelo Valente on FoxNY Good Day Street Talk

Ex. Dir., Angelo Valente, FoxNY Good Day Street Talk (@Fox5GDST) with @bensimmoneau talking substance abuse & important info for parents. The growing trend of heroin use in New Jersey has increased drastically and many of the victims are kids.

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Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey Unveils Waves of Hope Campaign

The Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey unveiled its Waves of Hope campaign designed to get mental health and substance abuse aid to victims of Hurricane Sandy.

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Millburn Police Unveil New Prescription Drug Drop-off Box

The Millburn Police Department, in conjunction with the American Medicine Chest Challenge, introduced a custom designed permanent prescription drug drop-off box at their station on Essex Road in Millburn.

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Nicole Levine of Essex County Wins PDFNJ's Ninth Annual Shout Down Drugs Prevention Concert

Nicole Levine of Essex County is the statewide champion of the Ninth Annual PDFNJ’s Shout Down Drugs Prevention Concert. On Thursday, May 23, thirty-three New Jersey high school student finalists, representing 15 counties, competed at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, New Jersey.

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NJ 4th Grade Students Featured at Statewide Prevention Artwork Showcase

Over 8,000 fourth grade students from across New Jersey participated in the Fourteenth Annual Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey/Verizon New Jersey Design a Fourth Grade Folder Contest.

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Drugfree.org - One-Fourth of Teens Have Misused or Abused Prescription Drugs at Least Once: Study

One-fourth of teens have misused or abused a prescription drug at least once in their lifetime, a 33 percent increase over the last five years, a new study finds

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Drugfree.Org - Parents: Talk to Your Teens About Drinking Before They Start College

Parents who discuss drinking with their teens before they start college can influence their children’s drinking behavior once they are at school, a new study suggests.

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Study: Random Drug Testing of Middle School Students Proves Effective in Preventing Substance Abuse

ATLANTIC CITY— PDFNJ and Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMind, today, released the results of their six year study of the effectiveness of drug-testing in the prevention of substance abuse among New Jersey middle school students at the statewide Addiction Conference, Atlantic City.

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Yahoo.com - Holder: Marijuana's effect on children a factor

WASHINGTON (AP) -- How it affects children will be one factor the Justice Department weighs as it determines how to respond to the legalization of marijuana in Washington state and Colorado,Attorney General Eric Holder told Congress Thursday.

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Finalists Announced for NJ Shouts Down Drugs Music Competition

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, today, released the finalist list for the 2013 New Jersey Shout Down Drugs Competition(NJSDD), its substance abuse prevention themed music and song writing competition for high school students.

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PDFNJ Seeking Scripts for Television PSA Contest

PDFNJ is calling on NJ middle school students to write, star and produce a television commercial with a substance abuse prevention message for their peers by entering the 14th Annual Middle School Public Service Announcement Challenge (MSPSA).

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Young People Across The World Vote In PDFNJ High School Drug Prevention Music Competition

MILLBURN — Ladies and Gentlemen, the votes are in! The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) announced, today, that Nicole Levine of Essex County is this year’s New Jersey Shout Down Drugs (NJSDD) “Online Voting People’s Choice Finalist.” Levine received the highest vote count of the 110,000 votes cast.

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PDFNJ Executive Director Testifies to the Importance of the Passage of A-2421,

Supporting Revisions to the Parental Consent Law for Surveying Students.

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Ex. Dir. Angelo Valente Contributes to NJ. Dept. of Education's Newsletter

Alcohol use by our children is a significant problem in our state and across the country. As a father of three and the Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug–Free New Jersey, (PDFNJ) for the past eighteen years, it is startling to realize that 46 percent of New Jersey children in the seventh and eighth grades have experimented with alcohol.

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Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Mourns the Passing of Riley Regan

MILLBURN -- The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) sadly mourns the passing of Riley Regan, the first Executive Director of the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (GCADA) and a lifelong, outspoken advocate for the field of substance abuse prevention and treatment.

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PDFNJ to Lead National Event to Raise Awareness of Prescription Drug Abuse in NJ

On November 10, 2012, a historic and lifesaving event --- The American Medicine Chest Challenge(AMCC) --- a public health initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse will be held in communities throughout New Jersey.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir. Stresses Link Between Rx Abuse and Heroin Abuse at GCADA Taskforce Hearing in Camden

In 2007, PDFNJ knew, that 70% of people who were abusing Rx drugs were obtaining them from the medicine cabinets of friends and relatives. At that point PDFNJ knew this important statistic had to be shared -- and we dedicated all of our resources to disseminating this important information to all NJ residents. PDFNJ created a simple message with an image of a Grandmother – alerting residents that there may be a "stash" of potentially life threatening substances in their medicine cabinets.

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US Attorney’s Office Announces “The Right Prescription for New Jersey”

US Attorney Paul Fishman, center, launched the Right Prescription for New Jersey today along with, l-r, , Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, DEA-NJ Special Agent-in-Charge Brian Crowell, Christopher Cerf, New Jersey Commissioner of Education, and NJ State Commission of Investigation Chairman, Patrick Hobbs.

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PDFNJ Joins Medicine Abuse Project (MAP)

The Medicine Abuse Project is a unifying campaign that brings together families, communities, industry, health care professionals, educators, law enforcement and government officials to curb teen medicine abuse, and ultimately save lives. The campaign launches during the week of September 23-29, 2012

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In Memoriam, William F. Faherty

William F. Faherty 1926-2012, PDFNJ Board Trustee

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The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey applauds Governor Christie for mandating treatment for non-violent drug and alcohol dependent offenders with the signing of S-881

PDFNJ applauds Gov. Christie and the NJ legislature for their keen understanding of the complex issues of substance abuse and addiction. Through this legislation, which the Gov. spearheaded, thousands of lives will be saved, and thousands of families will have hope in this second chance provided to their children.

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Colorado: 74% of Teens in Treatment Used Medical Marijuana

Three-quarters of teenage patients in substance abuse treatment programs in Denver, Colorado said they used someone else’s medical marijuana, according to a new study.

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2012 New Jersey Broadcasters Association Conference

Steve Forbes, CEO of Forbes, Inc., is pictured with Nick Alu, winner of the 2012 New Jersey Shout Down Drugs Competition at the New Jersey Broadcasters Association Conference in Atlantic City. Also pictured from left to right, are the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Director of Media, Angela Conover, and Executive Director, Angelo M. Valente; Nick’s mother Patricia Hutchins, and Paul Rotella, President and CEO of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association.

Angelo Valente on NJTV to Discuss Annual Survey on New Jersey Parents Attitudes

Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for A Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) is featured on NJTV's NJ Today's Nightly News to discuss the release of PDFNJ.s annual Tracking Study of Parent Attitude and Behavior in Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

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PDFNJ Recognizes Nicole Weiner of Marlton

Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey, visited the Helen L. Beeler Elementary School in Marlton, Burlington County, to recognize the participation of school parent Nicole Weiner, in PDFNJ's Fifth Grade Parent Alert initiative, supported by the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey.

Nick Alu Wins the 2012 NJ Shout Down Drugs Music Competition

Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and Kimberly Smith, Regional Director, Community Investment, Comcast, are pictured with the winners of the 2012 New Jersey Shouts Down Drugs Concert. First Place Winner Nicolas Alu, Lacey Township High School, Ocean County, Second Place Winner Joanne Dumerand, Arts High School, Essex County, Third Place Winners Kishawn Jack, Hudson County Prep High School, Hudson County, and the members of The Starving Artists Avery Peterson and Kevin Karol from Rumson-Fair Haven High School, Monmouth County, are pictured left to right. Also pictured is, center, is NJSDD Master of Ceremonies, Patrick Boll, star of the Broadway Hit Mamma Mia.

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AMCC Launches First In the Nation Prescription Drug Prevention Mobile App

Washington DC -- The American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC), the nation’s largest privately funded public health campaign preventing prescription drug abuse, announced today, the release of a mobile app ‘AMCC Rx Drop’ connecting users to the locations of permanent prescription drug collection boxes for the collection of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine.

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PDFNJ Honors Dennis M. Bone at Angel of Hope Gala

Dennis M. Bone, President of Verizon New Jersey, was honored for Verizon New Jersey’s commitment to substance abuse prevention in the State by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) at its 20th Anniversary Angel of Hope Gala. Bone, center, received the Angel of Hope Award at the April 26, 2012 event. He is pictured with, left to right, Steve Pasierb, President, Partnership at DrugFree.Org; Gala Chair John A. Azzarello, PDFNJ Trustee, and partner at Arseneault, Whipple, Fassett & Azzarello, LLP; Tracy Baldwin, Manager, PhRMA; Joseph A. Miele, PDFNJ Chairman; and Angelo M. Valente, PDFNJ Executive Director.

Prescription Drug Abuse Experts Discuss Prevention

A panel with representatives from government, schools, police and nonprofits gathered at Bergen Community College Tuesday to discuss a growing health issue: prescription drug abuse. Forty Americans die each day from overdosing on prescription painkillers, said Angelo Valente, executive director of PDFNJ. One way to prevent these deaths is through education, he said. "Tonight we are doing exactly what we need to do," Valente said. "We are learning about the issue."

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NJ 4th Grade Students Featured At Statewide Prevention Artwork Premier

(NEWARK) – Over 8,000 fourth grade students from across NJ participated in the 13th Annual PDFNJ/Verizon New Jersey Design a Fourth Grade Folder Contest. The students from 4th grade classrooms across NJ were challenged to create peer-to-peer substance abuse prevention messages. The theme of the contest was “Fun Things to do Instead of Doing Drugs.”

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Angelo Valente, PDFNJ Ex. Dir., Discusses the 2012 NJSDD Music Concert

The 2012 New Jersey Shout Down Drugs music concert is scheduled for May 24, 2012 at the Newark PAC. Angelo Valente sits down with Comcast Newsmakers to discuss the NJSDD competition and more.

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National Online Directory of Permanent Prescription Drug Collection Boxes Launched

Washington DC -- The American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC), the nation’s largest privately funded public health campaign preventing prescription drug abuse, announced today, the creation of a national online directory of permanent prescription drug collection boxes for the collection of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine. Currently, the directory includes collection sites in 50 states, including New Jersey. New Jersey currently has permanent collection locations in Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Hunterdon, Morris and Ocean counties.

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2012 PDFNJ Angel of Hope Gala Honoree Announced

PDFNJ is proud to announce that Dennis M. Bone, President of Verizon New Jersey, will be honored at the organization’s Twentieth Anniversary Gala on April 26, 2012, with the Angel of Hope Award.

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NJ Businesses with Drug Free Work Place Policies More Productive and Successful

MILLBURN— Maintaining a drug free workplace policy enables New Jersey businesses to be more productive and more successful, according to a new study released today by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ). The survey was conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMindTM Poll of 300 New Jersey businesses, in December 2011.

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An 'Intervention' in Newark

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) and A&E Television Networks, LLC, hosted a live Town Hall Meeting on prescription drug addiction. Left to Right: John L. Hulick, Acting Executive Director, Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director, PDFNJ; Diane Litterer, Executive Director, New Jersey Prevention Network; Steve Pasierb, President & CEO, The Partnership at Drugfree.org; and Honorable Lawrence Cooper, Board of Trustee Member, PDFNJ.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir., Angelo Valente, presents Edison Leadership Award for Excellence in Public Service

PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo M. Valente presents the Thomas Edison Leadership Award for Excellence in Public Service to Paul S. Rotella, Esq., President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association and Robert Dunphy, Chairman of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey applauds Governor Christie for mandating treatment for non-violent drug and alcohol dependent offenders with the signing of S-881

PDFNJ applauds Gov. Christie and the NJ legislature for their keen understanding of the complex issues of substance abuse and addiction. Through this legislation, which the Gov. spearheaded, thousands of lives will be saved, and thousands of families will have hope in this second chance provided to their children.

Read More

Colorado: 74% of Teens in Treatment Used Medical Marijuana

Three-quarters of teenage patients in substance abuse treatment programs in Denver, Colorado said they used someone else’s medical marijuana, according to a new study.

Read More

2012 New Jersey Broadcasters Association Conference

Steve Forbes, CEO of Forbes, Inc., is pictured with Nick Alu, winner of the 2012 New Jersey Shout Down Drugs Competition at the New Jersey Broadcasters Association Conference in Atlantic City. Also pictured from left to right, are the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Director of Media, Angela Conover, and Executive Director, Angelo M. Valente; Nick’s mother Patricia Hutchins, and Paul Rotella, President and CEO of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association.

Angelo Valente on NJTV to Discuss Annual Survey on New Jersey Parents Attitudes

Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for A Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) is featured on NJTV's NJ Today's Nightly News to discuss the release of PDFNJ.s annual Tracking Study of Parent Attitude and Behavior in Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

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PDFNJ Recognizes Nicole Weiner of Marlton

Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey, visited the Helen L. Beeler Elementary School in Marlton, Burlington County, to recognize the participation of school parent Nicole Weiner, in PDFNJ's Fifth Grade Parent Alert initiative, supported by the Horizon Foundation of New Jersey.

Nick Alu Wins the 2012 NJ Shout Down Drugs Music Competition

Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and Kimberly Smith, Regional Director, Community Investment, Comcast, are pictured with the winners of the 2012 New Jersey Shouts Down Drugs Concert. First Place Winner Nicolas Alu, Lacey Township High School, Ocean County, Second Place Winner Joanne Dumerand, Arts High School, Essex County, Third Place Winners Kishawn Jack, Hudson County Prep High School, Hudson County, and the members of The Starving Artists Avery Peterson and Kevin Karol from Rumson-Fair Haven High School, Monmouth County, are pictured left to right. Also pictured is, center, is NJSDD Master of Ceremonies, Patrick Boll, star of the Broadway Hit Mamma Mia.

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AMCC Launches First In the Nation Prescription Drug Prevention Mobile App

Washington DC -- The American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC), the nation’s largest privately funded public health campaign preventing prescription drug abuse, announced today, the release of a mobile app ‘AMCC Rx Drop’ connecting users to the locations of permanent prescription drug collection boxes for the collection of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine.

Read More

PDFNJ Honors Dennis M. Bone at Angel of Hope Gala

Dennis M. Bone, President of Verizon New Jersey, was honored for Verizon New Jersey’s commitment to substance abuse prevention in the State by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) at its 20th Anniversary Angel of Hope Gala. Bone, center, received the Angel of Hope Award at the April 26, 2012 event. He is pictured with, left to right, Steve Pasierb, President, Partnership at DrugFree.Org; Gala Chair John A. Azzarello, PDFNJ Trustee, and partner at Arseneault, Whipple, Fassett & Azzarello, LLP; Tracy Baldwin, Manager, PhRMA; Joseph A. Miele, PDFNJ Chairman; and Angelo M. Valente, PDFNJ Executive Director.

Prescription Drug Abuse Experts Discuss Prevention

A panel with representatives from government, schools, police and nonprofits gathered at Bergen Community College Tuesday to discuss a growing health issue: prescription drug abuse. Forty Americans die each day from overdosing on prescription painkillers, said Angelo Valente, executive director of PDFNJ. One way to prevent these deaths is through education, he said. "Tonight we are doing exactly what we need to do," Valente said. "We are learning about the issue."

Read More

NJ 4th Grade Students Featured At Statewide Prevention Artwork Premier

(NEWARK) – Over 8,000 fourth grade students from across NJ participated in the 13th Annual PDFNJ/Verizon New Jersey Design a Fourth Grade Folder Contest. The students from 4th grade classrooms across NJ were challenged to create peer-to-peer substance abuse prevention messages. The theme of the contest was “Fun Things to do Instead of Doing Drugs.”

Read More

Angelo Valente, PDFNJ Ex. Dir., Discusses the 2012 NJSDD Music Concert

The 2012 New Jersey Shout Down Drugs music concert is scheduled for May 24, 2012 at the Newark PAC. Angelo Valente sits down with Comcast Newsmakers to discuss the NJSDD competition and more.

Read More

National Online Directory of Permanent Prescription Drug Collection Boxes Launched

Washington DC -- The American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC), the nation’s largest privately funded public health campaign preventing prescription drug abuse, announced today, the creation of a national online directory of permanent prescription drug collection boxes for the collection of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine. Currently, the directory includes collection sites in 50 states, including New Jersey. New Jersey currently has permanent collection locations in Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Hunterdon, Morris and Ocean counties.

Read More

2012 PDFNJ Angel of Hope Gala Honoree Announced

PDFNJ is proud to announce that Dennis M. Bone, President of Verizon New Jersey, will be honored at the organization’s Twentieth Anniversary Gala on April 26, 2012, with the Angel of Hope Award.

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NJ Businesses with Drug Free Work Place Policies More Productive and Successful

MILLBURN— Maintaining a drug free workplace policy enables New Jersey businesses to be more productive and more successful, according to a new study released today by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ). The survey was conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMindTM Poll of 300 New Jersey businesses, in December 2011.

Read More

An 'Intervention' in Newark

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) and A&E Television Networks, LLC, hosted a live Town Hall Meeting on prescription drug addiction. Left to Right: John L. Hulick, Acting Executive Director, Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director, PDFNJ; Diane Litterer, Executive Director, New Jersey Prevention Network; Steve Pasierb, President & CEO, The Partnership at Drugfree.org; and Honorable Lawrence Cooper, Board of Trustee Member, PDFNJ.

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PDFNJ Ex. Dir., Angelo Valente, presents Edison Leadership Award for Excellence in Public Service

PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo M. Valente presents the Thomas Edison Leadership Award for Excellence in Public Service to Paul S. Rotella, Esq., President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association and Robert Dunphy, Chairman of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association.