Blog

  • GUEST BLOG: Making Safe Driving a Priority Throughout the Summer

    Posted 6/19/2024 by Angelo M. Valente

    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. 

  • Guest Blog: Overdose Deaths in Older New Jersey Adults

    Posted 6/12/2024 by Angelo M. Valente

    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. 

  • Encouraging Awareness and Action: PDFNJ Responds to The New York Times

    Posted 6/5/2024 by Angelo M. Valente

    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.

  • Educating Adults About Edible Marijuana

    Posted 5/29/2024 by Angelo M. Valente

    Unfortunately, as more dispensaries open throughout New Jersey and more sales of edible marijuana take place, there is also the misinformation and a lack of education on the potential harmful effects of marijuana use, including the belief that use of edible products is always safer than smoking marijuana. This article, “Are Edibles Safer Than Smoking,” demonstrates that consumers of marijuana products have to understand the health risks involved in using either of the products.

  • Happy Memorial Day

    Posted 5/22/2024 by Angelo M. Valente

    Memorial Day is this coming Monday. I want to take a moment and honor those who have served or are actively serving our country today. We celebrate this long weekend because of the commitment to liberty & democracy made possible by the sacrifices of our armed services.

     

    May their bravery forever be remembered.

  • Sharing Insight at the National Rx and Illicit Drug Summit

    Posted 5/15/2024 by Angelo M. Valente

    At the National Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Atlanta, which took place April 1-4, we shared and gained insights on combating the opioid crisis. This event drew a diverse group of attendees from across the country and underlined the value of collaboration in addressing this complex issue.

  • Tune In to PDFNJ’s 2024 Prevention Concert

    Posted 5/8/2024 by Angelo M. Valente

    Today is the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s (PDFNJ) Prevention Concert for the Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs New Jersey music competition. The competition is designed to challenge New Jersey high school students to create original music and lyrics with powerful peer-to-peer substance use prevention messages.

  • New Poll on Safe Rx Disposal

    Posted 5/1/2024 by Angelo M. Valente

    The latest findings from the Rutgers-Eagleton Poll reveal significant progress in our collective understanding of how to store and dispose of medications, including opioids, properly. The data shows that 42% of New Jerseyans report being very familiar with these crucial guidelines, and an additional 32% are somewhat familiar. This awareness is critical for preventing medication misuse and ensuring the safety of our communities.

  • Supporting the Alternatives to PAIN Act

    Posted 4/24/2024 by Angelo M. Valente

    The opioid crisis has engulfed our nation, and the need for progressive and humane healthcare policies has never been more imperative. In this recent editorial, “Why We Need the Alternatives to PAIN Act,” published by NJ.com, I explain why this proposed legislation is a critical step forward in this regard.

  • Challenging the FDA’s Approval of AVERT-D

    Posted 4/17/2024 by Angelo M. Valente

    As many of you know, The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey makes a concerted effort to collaborate on the local, state, and federal level, as well as with other organizations, to alleviate and prevent further harm caused by the opioid epidemic.

     

    Over the last decade we have also been working with the Opioid Education Foundation of America to assist in their mission to educate all Americans on the addictive qualities of opioids and on the availability of non-opioid pain relief alternatives. The foundation hosted a webinar which featured Dr. Andrew Kolodny, MD, Medical Director of Opioid Policy Research, Heller School for Social Policy & Management, Brandies University.

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