Old Bridge Township, NJ – On Wednesday, December 1st, 2021, Old Bridge Township unveiled a digital billboard featuring a PSA for Opioid Awareness. The message reads, “Americans are now more likely to die of an opioid overdose than in a car crash. It’s Time to Consider Opioid Alternatives.” The billboard, managed by Jon Antal of New Jersey Outfront Media, is only the first step Old Bridge Township is taking to educate the community in hopes to save many lives. Local businesses are also doing their part by placing posters in their store windows to help spread the message.
“I am very proud of our community working together to create these important outreach programs bringing awareness to the Opioid crisis, and for facilitating different campaigns and partnerships”, stated Mayor Owen Henry. He continued to say, “The Opioid Crisis is a major health issue with devastating consequences. The more we bring awareness, the more hope there is for less overdose deaths in the future.”
Collaboration is essential for success in preventing opioid overdose. This team effort was facilitated by Mayor Owen Henry and Municipal Alliance Coordinator Rosemarie Rivoli, along with Detective Patrick D’Onofrio of the Old Bridge Police Department, Superintendent of Schools David Cittadino, and businesses and organizations in the community, including the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ), directed by Angelo Valente.
New Jersey experienced a record number of overdose deaths during the first half of this year according to state data and could surpass the all-time high number of drug-related fatalities recorded in 2020 if the current pattern holds. The location of the billboard on Route 9 in Old Bridge is a busy thoroughfare that will be seen by commuters daily.
Click here for full press release
###
Please visit the Township’s website at oldbridge.com and follow us on social media at facebook.com/OBTOWN and on Twitter @obtownnj where we are posting official Township news and information.
Pictured L-R above; Detective Patrick D’Onofrio, Old Bridge Township Police Department; Captain Joseph Mandola, Acting Chief of Old Bridge
Township Police Department; Jon Antal, New Jersey Outfront Media Manager; Owen Henry, Old Bridge Township Mayor; Angelo Valente,
Executive Director of PDFNJ; Mary Sohor, Old Bridge Township Council President; Stephen Mamakas, Old Bridge Township Economic
Development Executive Officer; Rosemarie Rivoli, Old Bridge Township Municipal Alliance Coordinator; David Cittadino, Old Bridge Township
Superintendent of Schools