Congressman Rob Menendez joined eighth-grade students from St. Francis Academy on Tuesday, October 6, to distribute flyers in English and Spanish along Bergenline Avenue in Union City, providing residents and business owners with information to help protect children and families from opioid use disorder. The event was part of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's (PDFNJ) 11th Annual Day to Combat Opioid Abuse, a statewide initiative held each October 6.
The congressman emphasized the collective responsibility in addressing the opioid crisis. "Combating the opioid epidemic involves all of us. Families, schools, local businesses, community organizations, and leaders at all levels must continue working together to raise awareness and save lives," Menendez said. "Walking along Bergenline Avenue alongside the students from St. Francis Academy was a powerful reminder that no one can face this crisis alone. I will continue pressing at the federal level to stop the flow of dangerous drugs and expand access to local prevention, treatment, and recovery services."
Deborah Savage, principal of St. Francis Academy, noted the educational value of the event for students. "We want our students to understand that caring for their community includes actively participating by helping others," she said. "Joining Congressman Menendez on the Day to Combat Opioid Abuse gave our eighth-grade students the opportunity to put that lesson into practice."
The New Jersey Senate and General Assembly unanimously passed joint legislation permanently designating October 6 as the Day to Combat Opioid Abuse. This year's commemoration also highlighted opioid safety and safer pain management for older adults, a growing concern as data from the New Jersey State Medical Examiner's Office shows that 365 suspected overdose deaths in 2025 occurred among residents over the age of 55. Overall, there were 1,312 suspected drug overdose deaths in 2025, a 27% decrease from 2024, indicating progress but underscoring the need for continued education across all generations.
Angelo M. Valente, executive director of PDFNJ, praised the involvement of young people. "When young people share prevention information with their neighbors, they help start conversations that can reach an entire family," Valente said. "I thank the students from St. Francis Academy and Congressman Menendez for bringing this message directly to the community."
The Day to Combat Opioid Abuse is a PDFNJ project in collaboration with the Governor's Council on Substance Use Disorders and the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. For more information, visit knockoutday.drugfreenj.org.
This local effort reflects a broader strategy to reduce opioid-related harms through community-based prevention, emphasizing that awareness and education are critical tools in saving lives and fostering healthier communities.
