Congressman Menendez Joins Students to Combat Opioid Abuse in Union City

Congressman Rob Menendez joined eighth-grade students from St. Francis Academy in Union City, New Jersey, on Tuesday, October 6, to distribute bilingual flyers along Bergenline Avenue, warning residents about the risks of opioids. The event was part of the 11th Annual Day to Combat Opioid Abuse, organized by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ). Volunteers handed out materials in English and Spanish to shoppers and store owners, aiming to protect children and families from opioid use disorder. “Combating the opioid epidemic involves all of us,” Menendez said, emphasizing the need for collaboration among families, schools, businesses, and leaders. He pledged to continue federal efforts to stop the flow of dangerous drugs and expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

Deborah Savage, principal of St. Francis Academy, noted that the event taught students that caring for their community means actively helping others. Angelo M. Valente, executive director of PDFNJ, thanked the students and the congressman for starting conversations that can reach entire families. The statewide initiative also highlighted opioid safety and safer pain management for older adults. According to the New Jersey State Medical Examiner's Office, there were 1,312 suspected drug overdose deaths in 2025, a 27% decrease from 2024, but 365 of those deaths were among residents over 55. 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. PDFNJ, known for its statewide substance use prevention advertising campaign, is a private nonprofit coalition that has received over $200 million in donated broadcast time and print advertising space, making it the largest public service advertising campaign in New Jersey's history.