Healthy Aging Focus of 11th Annual Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day

Millburn, NJ, Aug. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Older New Jerseyans will be at the center of this year’s Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day as communities across the state come together to share information on opioid safety and risks. Organized by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ),  this year’s focus reflects the risks facing older residents.

In New Jersey, 278 older adults died of suspected overdoses in 2025, more than any other age group. Nationally, recent studies found that 36 percent of adults 65 and older experienced chronic pain, while 12.8 percent filled at least one outpatient opioid prescription annually.

“Prevention, education and awareness span the entire life span. Aging adults, particularly those 55 and older, are often overlooked in conversations about the opioid crisis,” said Angelo M. Valente, executive director of PDFNJ. “Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day gives communities an opportunity to raise awareness and educate aging adults and their families by providing practical information about opioid safety and pain management.”

In its 11th year, Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day aims to increase residents’ understanding of the opioid crisis through a mobilization effort with a dual focus: educating physicians and raising awareness among New Jersey citizens and families. This year’s educational components include information from the PDFNJ Healthy Aging Campaign and a video for older adults and their families about opioid risks and safer pain-management strategies.

Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day is a project of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, in cooperation with the Governor’s Council on Substance Use Disorder; the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services; and the Community Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Morris, with help from thousands of people from across the state. The New Jersey Senate and General Assembly have unanimously approved joint legislation permanently designating October 6 as Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day in New Jersey. 

Individuals and organizations can participate in Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day by distributing educational materials, setting up information tables at community events, sharing prevention messages through newsletters and social media, or sharing information on the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series. Additional KOOAD information can be found at KnockOutDay.DrugFreeNJ.org. Visit NJHealthyAging.org  to access resources and information on opioid safety while aging.

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

Lisa Batitto
Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey
973-467-2100
news@drugfreenj.org