Garden State Times

Senator Schepisi says awareness and resources are critical in combatting New Jersey’s opioid crisis

In honor of New Jersey’s “Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Day,” Senator Holly Schepisi (R-39) recently sat down with Patrice Lenowitz, mother of Max Lenowitz, who tragically lost his life at 25 due to fentanyl poisoning, to discuss how the state can continue to fight the opioid epidemic.

Last year, Governor Murphy signed Sen. Schepisi's joint resolution, SJR-128, into law. The bill designated July 14 as "Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Day," in honor of Max Lenowitz’s birthday.

This past February, Senator Schepisi introduced legislation known as “Max’s Law” that would require school districts to provide instruction on the dangers of fentanyl and xylazine. She has been a consistent advocate for legislation that raises awareness about these dangers.

Schepisi is also a sponsor of S-2555, which would regulate residential mental health treatment facilities and streamline the process for individuals seeking treatment. This bill is part of Schepisi’s longstanding effort to make addiction and mental health services more accessible to New Jerseyans.

To speak with Sen. Schepisi, please contact Kyle Fischer, SRO director of communications, at [email protected].