Fair Lawn Declares Commitment to Opioid Abuse Awareness and Prevention

10/30/2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 30, 2024

Contacts: Lisa Batitto, news@drugfreenj.org

Fair Lawn Declares Commitment to Opioid Abuse Awareness and Prevention

FAIR LAWN, NJ — The Borough of Fair Lawn took a significant step in combating opioid use in its community by issuing a proclamation officially designating October 6, 2024, as Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day. This announcement reflects Fair Lawn’s dedication to raising awareness about the opioid crisis, aligning with the efforts of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ).

The proclamation highlights the serious risks associated with opioid and fentanyl misuse while also supporting local education initiatives. Mayor Gail Rottenstrich and the Borough Council partnered with the Fair Lawn Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (FLASAP) to emphasize prevention and outreach efforts for residents of all ages, with a special focus on youth.

"Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day is a powerful reminder of the role each of us plays in preventing opioid use in our neighborhood,” said Pam Coles, a member of FLASAP. “It underscores the urgent need to educate families on the addictive nature of opioids and the risks of fentanyl, which has become a serious concern in our community. Together, we can turn the tide on opioid abuse, one family, one conversation, one day at a time."

Fair Lawn received approximately $3,300 as part of the settlement funds from the manufacturer of the opioid-based pain reliever OxyContin. "The use of the funds received from the settlement should go to educating sixth graders in Fair Lawn," stated Councilman Josh Reinitz, Deputy Mayor of Community Affairs, in his remarks at a recent Council meeting where the proclamation was issued.

Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day is recognized annually in New Jersey on October 6 as a day to increase awareness of the opioid crisis through a mobilization effort with a dual focus: educating physicians and raising awareness among New Jersey residents and families. It is designed to inform residents and health care providers on the steps they can take to stem the epidemic, from encouraging responsible prescribing and use of opioids to emphasizing the importance of educating children on the dangers of substance use.

"Fair Lawn’s focus on youth education and parental influence is exactly what's needed to make a real difference in the community," said Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ.

For more information on Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day, please visit www.knockoutday.drugfreenj.org

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Best known for its statewide substance use prevention advertising campaign, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is a private not-for-profit coalition of professionals from the communications, corporate and government communities whose collective mission is to reduce demand for illicit drugs in New Jersey through media communication.  To date, more than $200 million in broadcast time and print space has been donated to the Partnership’s New Jersey campaign, making it the largest public service advertising campaign in New Jersey’s history. Since its inception, the Partnership has garnered 230 advertising and public relations awards from national, regional and statewide media organizations.