In the News

  • Former NFL Quarterback Ray Lucas Engages Newark Students In Real Talk About Opioid Addiction

    Posted 12/11/2025

    Newark, NJ — Former NFL quarterback Ray Lucas knows a lot about pain. He sustained many serious injuries during his pro football career. Since leaving the game, he has spoken openly and often about the pain of his opioid addiction and his recovery. But when Lucas came to Newark on Monday, one student’s testimony brought him to tears.

  • Sharp Rise in Senior Overdose Deaths Drives Launch of New Healthy Aging Video

    Posted 12/11/2025

    Millburn, NJ — A 9,000 percent rise since 2015 in overdose deaths involving fentanyl among adults over 65 is prompting a statewide effort to provide older adults with the information they need to age safely. An educational video, which is part of PDFNJ's Healthy Aging campaign, will empower older NJ residents with clear, accessible guidance on opioid risks and safer pain-management strategies.

  • thesandpaper.net - Almost Entire Nation, Especially NJ, See Dramatic Drop in OD Deaths

    Posted 12/10/2025

    KOOAD webinar provides overview of the opioid crisis by NJSP Captain Jason Piotrowski

  • Upcoming Webinar to Reflect on a Year of Challenges & Progress in the Fight Against Addiction

    Posted 11/25/2025

    MILLBURN, NJ –The final webinar in the 2025 Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series will offer a reflection on the state’s ongoing response to the opioid epidemic in a session titled “Reexamining the Opioid Crisis: A Year in Review.” The event will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 4, and is presented by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ), the Office of Alternative and Community Responses (OACR), and the Opioid Education Foundation of America (OEFA).

  • New Jersey’s Path Forward Starts With Prevention

    Posted 11/24/2025

    New Jersey has experienced a hopeful shift in addressing the opioid crisis. NJ CARES, which provides data and information on the opioid crisis in the state, is reporting a steady decline in overdose deaths from previous years. The strategies NJ has invested in — prevention and treatment access — is making a difference.

  • Healthy Aging Campaign Targets Opioid Misuse in Older Adults

    Posted 11/20/2025

    Milburn, NJ — PDFNJ announced the launch of its 2026 Healthy Aging Campaign, a statewide initiative dedicated to providing age-specific opioid safety education and resources for older adults, their caregivers, and the professionals who work with them. The campaign seeks to address the growing opioid risks facing older adults, a population often overlooked in traditional prevention and awareness efforts.

  • 2025 Learning Series Drives Conversations About Opioid Misuse

    Posted 11/19/2025

    MILLBURN, NJ –Healthcare professionals and members of the public from New Jersey and beyond received timely information and practical guidance in the fight against opioid misuse through the 2025 Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series.

  • PDFNJ & PSEG Foundation Engage NJ Students in Substance Use Prevention

    Posted 11/18/2025

    MILLBURN, NJ — Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey (PDFNJ), with support from the PSEG Foundation, will distribute its Third Grade Life Choices Coloring & Activity Book to 40,000 third-grade students across New Jersey this year.

  • Students Invited to Showcase Musical Talent in Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs Competition

    Posted 11/13/2025

    MILLBURN, NJ — High school musicians across New Jersey are invited to use their talents to create original songs with impactful messages about the dangers of impaired driving. Organized by PDFNJ, the 22nd Annual Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs New Jersey competition is open for entries until February 1, 2026. The winner will be awarded a $5,000 music contract and will have the opportunity to share their song and message across the state during the upcoming year.

  • PDFNJ, NJBA Partner for Statewide Campaign to Prevent Youth Substance Use

    Posted 11/6/2025

    MILLBURN, NJ — PDFNJ, in collaboration with the New Jersey Broadcasters Association (NJBA), is launching a statewide campaign to promote PDFNJ’s “Parents Matter” PSAs. The campaign is part of the Public Education Program, which provides nonprofits and public agencies with access to broadcast airtime to reach their audiences with important, community-focused messages. This broadcast initiative is designed to encourage positive, everyday family interactions as a practical and effective strategy for preventing youth substance use.