October 2023 • Volume XXXIII

January - August 31, 2023

Suspected Overdose Deaths: 8

Naloxone Administrations: 41

Opioid Prescriptions: 24,051

Source: NJ office of Attorney General (NJCARES)

Red Ribbon Week

The nation's largest and longest-running

drug-use prevention campaign

October 23-31, 2023

Click here to learn more about Red Ribbon Week

Member Spotlight: Stacey Becker

This month we spotlight Stacey Becker who represents the Government sector. Stacey's involvement with the Dept. of Human Services helps the Drug-Free Task Force connect to the community at large. Click this link to learn more about Stacey!

The relationship-approach to teaching

youth about drugs

The best way to approach youth about drugs in the school setting has long been debated but research has shown that less disciplinary measures and more evidence-based prevention programs is the key to success in better decision making by youth when faced with peer pressure to substance use. "Research shows that programs that aim to persuade or make students “scared straight” don’t work, says Amy Pérez Fuller, superintendent of the Red Mesa Unified School District. Once you understand what (a drug) does, once you have the language that is given to you, you know how to refuse, how to leave".

Click this link to read more from this NJ.com article.

Prevention Resources Parent Tool-Kit

Communication is paramount when it comes substance use prevention, but starting the conversation can be difficult. Prevention Resources created a Parent Tool-Kit to help get the discussion started. Click the links below to view the Elementary School version & the Middle School, High School & Beyond version of the took-kits. Also available in Spanish.

Elementary English

Elementary Spanish

Middle School, High School & Beyond English

Middle School, High School & Beyond Spanish

Prevention Resources distributed Parent Tool-Kits at the South Hunterdon HS, Hunterdon Central HS and Readington Middle School

Back-to-School nights.