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New Jersey is presenting a united front against the opioid epidemic as communities across the state gear up for the ninth annual Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day.

In 2023, there were 2,564 suspected overdose deaths in New Jersey, with the majority linked to some form of opioid. The epidemic continues to take its toll through the use of heroin, prescription opioids and synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

This initiative, led by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, provides essential information to healthcare professionals, community leaders and families. It aims to teach people about the risks of prescription opioids, their link to heroin and fentanyl, and effective strategies for preventing their misuse.

Counties are preparing various activities and initiatives tailored to their residents' needs. Many digital resources and handouts are available for communities to share at KnockOutDay.DrugFreeNJ.org.

In addition to the county efforts, the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series, inaugurated in 2020, offers New Jersey residents the opportunity to gain insights from experts specializing in opioid addiction. As part of this year's learning series, a webinar titled "Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day: Looking Back & Looking Ahead" will take place at 11 am on Thursday, October 3. Christopher M. Jones, Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, will be the featured speaker. Visit knockoutday.drugfreenj.org for more information and to sign up to participate.