PDFNJ & PSEG Foundation Team Up with Old Bridge Leaders to Promote Healthy Lifestyles Among Students

7/17/2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 17, 2024
Contacts: Lisa Batitto, news@drugfreenj.org
 

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and PSEG Foundation Team Up with Old Bridge Leaders to Promote Healthy Lifestyles Among Students
 

OLD BRIDGE, NJ - Third-grade students are discovering the benefits of healthy living through fun activities with a serious message.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) and the PSEG Foundation are distributing the Third Grade Life Choices Coloring and Activity Book in schools throughout the state to encourage children to pursue a substance-free life.

"The PSEG Foundation recognizes the importance of strengthening our communities and raising awareness about the risks associated with substance abuse," said Maria Spina, manager of the PSEG Foundation. "When one of us in the community is impacted, we all are. That's why it's essential that we join together to act and build a framework of equity, compassion and respect that encourages young people to be good role models to everyone in their lives. The PSEG Foundation is proud to support the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey as together we aim to build thriving communities."

Since its inception, the program has reached hundreds of thousands of third-grade students across the state. The recent distribution of the Third Grade Life Choices Coloring and Activity Book at Alan B. Shepard Jr. Elementary School in Old Bridge, with the Old Bridge Police Department on hand, underscores the crucial role of local involvement in the initiative's success.

"In 2024, it is essential that school districts incorporate the valuable resources of willing partners such as our local police department, PDFNJ, and the PSEG Foundation,” said David Cittadino, Old Bridge Superintendent of Schools. "There are many immoral individuals out there who seek to profit from poisoning children with drugs and encouraging them to make bad choices. It's up to the adults in every community to pool their resources to combat these unscrupulous outside influences."

In addition to this program, the Old Bridge Police Department has taken a proactive role in engaging students in the community through tailored programs designed to instill awareness and responsibility from a young age. These programs cover critical topics like internet safety, vaping, and marijuana use, with a strong emphasis on making healthy choices.

"Our goal is to reach kids early and help them make decisions that will positively impact their entire lives," said Angelo Valente, executive director of PDFNJ. "This collaboration with partners like the PSEG Foundation and the Old Bridge Police Department allows us to bring vital resources and education directly to the students in a way that resonates with them."

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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 226 advertising and public relations awards from national, regional and statewide media organizations.