In the News

  • Old Bridge Efforts Teaching 3rd Graders About Drug-Free Choices Highlighted in National Publication

    Posted 9/18/2024

    OLD BRIDGE, NJ – An initiative between the Old Bridge Police Department (OBPD), the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) and PSEG Foundation has been featured in the award-winning Community Policing Dispatch e-newsletter, a national publication from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office). The article focuses on efforts by OBPD officers, including Detective Patrick D’Onofrio, to educate third grade students about making healthy, drug-free choices.

  • pbs.org - "NFL veteran warns high school athletes about opioid dangers"

    Posted 9/13/2024

    Jefferson Township High School athletes heard from an eight-year NFL veteran about the dangers of opioid abuse Tuesday. Former Rutgers standout Ray Lucas spoke to the students, continuing his involvement with “Knock Out Opioid Abuse,” an initiative hosted by Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

  • PDFNJ & PSEG 3rd Grade Activity Book ft. in National USDOJ Newsletter

    Posted 9/10/2024

    Research shows that kids as young as 5th and 6th grade are being offered drugs and tobacco.

  • PDFNJ Announces Radio PSAs for "Eat. Hug. Love." Campaign

    Posted 9/5/2024

    MILLBURN, NJ — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) has expanded its Public Service Campaign, "Eat. Hug. Love.," with the launch of new radio public service announcements (PSA) now available statewide. These 15-, 30-, and 60-second spots emphasize the importance of family bonding through simple activities like watching a movie together with popcorn, aiming to nurture healthier family dynamics and improve youth mental health.

  • New Jersey Unites Against a Crisis: Ninth Annual Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Set for October 6

    Posted 9/4/2024

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

  • Storytelling as a Tool to Combat Stigma Surrounding Opioid Addiction

    Posted 8/29/2024

    MILLBURN, NJ — As International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 approaches with the theme "Together we Can," PDFNJ's Knock Out Opioid Abuse initiative highlights the community's critical role in addressing the opioid crisis. Individuals and families impacted by the crisis have shared personal experiences on the PDFNJ website, revealing the impact of the epidemic and emphasizing the importance of support.

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

    Posted 8/21/2024

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

  • PDFNJ Announces Radio PSAs for "Eat. Hug. Love." Campaign

    Posted 8/20/2024

    MILLBURN, NJ — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) has expanded its Public Service Campaign, "Eat. Hug. Love.," with the launch of new radio public service announcements (PSA) now available statewide. These 15-, 30-, and 60-second spots emphasize the importance of family bonding through simple activities like watching a movie together with popcorn, aiming to nurture healthier family dynamics and improve youth mental health.

  • 973espn.com - This Former NFL Quarterback Is Raising Opioid Awareness At NJ High Schools

    Posted 8/14/2024

    Ray Lucas is raising awareness in New Jersey schools of the risks of opioid use.

  • Knock Out Opioid Abuse Initiative w/Former NFL Quarterback Ray Lucas Continues at Jefferson Twp High School

    Posted 8/13/2024

    OAK RIDGE, NJ—Student-athletes at Jefferson Township High School will receive crucial education on the risks of prescription opioids from a quarterback with first-hand knowledge of their devastating impact. Former NFL player and New Jersey native Ray Lucas will headline a program at 11 am. Tuesday, August 20, as part of the Knock Out Opioid Abuse initiative.