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State residents can obtain a packet containing two doses of the nasal spray anonymously without a prescription or appointment through Saturday (Sept. 24-26) for free at participating pharmacies.
The free doses will be available at 322 pharmacies, including several locations of Acme, CVS, Rite Aid, Sav-On, ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Walgreens, Walmart, Weis Markets and independent pharmacies throughout the state, authorities said.
Musella plans to be at Levy’s Pharmacy in Lyndhurst beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday to answer questions about community partnerships and initiatives from his office that focus on ending opioid overdoses and fatalities.
SEE THE LIST ABOVE OR BELOW FOR PARTICIPATING BERGEN COUNTY PHARMACIES. CLICK HERE FOR ALL PARTICIPATING NEW JERSEY PHARMACIES: nj.gov/humanservices/stopoverdoses
The doses will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. Those who obtain them will also be given information about addiction treatment and recovery.
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BE WARNED: Nalaxone isn't a miracle drug or fallback option, health and law enforcement professionals emphasize that n. Opioid users can still die depending on how much is in their system and in what combination. #stoptheods
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This is the second New Jersey Narcan giveaway in little over a year. Residents collected 32,000 doses in June 2019.
“The ongoing opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities across our state,” Gov. Phil Murphy said. “By expanding access to Naloxone, New Jerseyans will have this lifesaving medication readily available to help those who may be suffering from an overdose.”
“This is all about saving lives,” state Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson said. “We’re continuing to find innovative ways to combat this epidemic that has taken far too many lives. We urge everyone to visit a participating pharmacy to get a free pack of this overdose reversal drug because, quite frankly, you never know when you’re going to need it to save a life.”
Naloxone can in certain instances reverse overdoses from heroin and other opioids by blocking their effects on the brain.
Having more available -- either by people carrying it or putting it into first aid kits -- can only help, given how serious the opioid epidemic has become.
For that reason, New Jersey has distributed 53,000 free doses of naloxone to police departments, 11,352 free doses to EMS teams, 1,200 free doses to shelters for those experiencing homelessness and 400 free doses to libraries.
“Last year’s turnout showed there is a strong demand for naloxone. New Jerseyans stood up and said they want to help and be ready to have the opportunity to save someone’s life,” Johnson said. “We want to build on last year’s event and get naloxone into as many hands as possible. We want to save lives.”
NJ Addiction Treatment Hotline: 1-844-ReachNJ (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
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