Attention all New Jersey residents! Did you know that the opportunity to save a life is available at your fingertips?
The State of New Jersey’s Department of Human Services recently announced that Naloxone is now available for free to any New Jersey resident ages 14 and older. In January 2023, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation which makes this life-saving tool available to anyone in need of these resources. Whether you have personally been impacted by opioid use or if you are just looking out for fellow members of your community, having Naloxone on hand can make all the difference for a person in need. Throughout the Garden State, there are dozens of participating pharmacies available to assist. You can find your closest location by checking out the Naloxone365 database, linked here: Nalaxone365 – Pharmacies. This program is completely free and anonymous to participate in, and all are encouraged to do their part.
So what is Naloxone and how can it be used to save a life? Naloxone is an opioid antidote that can be offered to patients in crisis in the instance of an overdose. The medication works by immediately and rapidly reversing an opioid overdose and belongs to the antagonist group of medications. When administered, Naloxone will attach itself to opioid receptors, helping to reverse and block any further impact by opioids already in the recipient’s system. Naloxone is particularly critical in aiding to restore breathing in an overdose patient if breathing had previously slowed or ceased. Please note that Naloxone cannot be used for any other purpose, nor is it intended to be utilized for opioid use disorder.
If you are interested in carrying Naloxone but are not certain how to use it in the event of an emergency, not to worry. There are plenty of free and accessible trainings held throughout each region of the Garden State where you can learn when, where, and how to use Naloxone safely and effectively. For more information on available trainings throughout the state, please check out the DHS website, linked here: DHS – Naloxone Training. On this page, you can access a number of Naloxone training videos, as well as find additional details regarding any upcoming Naloxone trainings in your area. It only takes a few simple steps to save a life, and just a few moments of preparedness can mean all the difference in a life or death emergency situation.
If you or a loved one are currently struggling with opioid dependence and are interested in seeking out help, please call 844-ReachNJ or visit online at ReachNJ.gov for more information and resources regarding the help available in your community. The fight against the opioid epidemic begins with us, so be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to do your part.
