Blog
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Impact of Modern Cannabis on Young Users
With the legalization of recreational cannabis in more states, its use is on the rise. The cannabis available today is significantly stronger and potentially more harmful than it used to be, especially for young people.
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Senators Booker & Braun Introduce Legislation to Increase Access to Care for Opioid Use at Pharmacies
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and Republican Senator Mike Braun of Indiana recently introduced legislation to further enhance efforts already in place to address the opioid crisis. The Substance Use Prevention and Pharmacy Oriented Recovery Treatment Prescription Act (SUPPORT Rx) will provide grant funding for pharmacists to offer medical treatment for opioid use and receive training to treat individuals who have an opioid use disorder. Additionally, funding will allow for tele-behavioral health services and HIPAA-compliant technology so that pharmacists can share their information with other clinicians. To read the full text of the bill, click here
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Pediatricians Not Adequately Prepared to Address Opioid Use Disorder
As we continue the ongoing effort to address the opioid crisis, I was disappointed to read this nationwide study conducted by Massachusetts General for Children and the Yale School of Medicine that found many pediatricians are unprepared to provide comprehensive support for patients with an opioid use disorder (OUD). While pediatricians are comfortable connecting adolescents to treatment programs, research demonstrated that many pediatricians are not prescribing medications.
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NJ High School Students Shine in Shout Down Drugs Music Competition
High school students from all over New Jersey showcased their musical talents in the 20th Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs competition. This competition aims to promote a drug-free lifestyle through the power of music.
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Young Artists from Essex County Shine in Statewide Drug-Free Artwork Contest
Adam Idrovo from Nutley's Good Shepherd Academy and Emily Ortiz from Newark's Lafayette Street School won the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's 2023-2024 Fourth Grade Folder Contest. This highly annual event, which attracts entries from thousands of fourth graders statewide, encourages young artists to use their creativity to advocate for healthy, drug-free lifestyles through their artwork. The winners and finalists were celebrated at a virtual awards ceremony on May 9.
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Have a Safe & Happy Fourth of July!
Tomorrow we celebrate the Fourth of July. I hope that you are able to enjoy with family and friends.
All of us at the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey would like to thank our partners in the prevention, treatment, law enforcement, and medical communities for their focus on breaking the cycle of dependency.
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New Jersey Leads the Fight Against the Opioid Crisis
New Jersey legislators and Gov. Murphy deserve recognition for passing a 'no supplantation' law, ensuring opioid settlement funds are dedicated solely to education, prevention, treatment, family support, and harm reduction. This commitment safeguards these vital resources from being diverted elsewhere.
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GUEST BLOG: Making Safe Driving a Priority Throughout the Summer
As summer has begun, I fully encourage you to schedule the time to relax with family and friends and take advantage of all that New Jersey has to offer. With that in mind, it’s important to remain safe on the roads as more people are driving throughout the state.
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Guest Blog: Overdose Deaths in Older New Jersey Adults
I am pleased to introduce a guest blog written by Dr. Donna M. Lisi, Clinical Pharmacist. who writes about an often over looked population being affected by the opioid crisis; older adults. Donna offers special insight, as in addition to her training as a pharmacist, she also is the chair of Somerset County’s Local Advisory Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse and is a member of the Franklin Township Municipal Alliance.
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Encouraging Awareness and Action: PDFNJ Responds to The New York Times
In a recent letter to the editor that appeared in The New York Times in response to its article "Has Fentanyl Peaked?", I joined other readers in discussing the hopeful trends we are seeing in drug overdose deaths, most of which are due to opioids. For the third year in a row, the number of deaths has dropped nationwide and in New Jersey.