TRENTON, NJ – NJ Human Services is making the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone available for free September 24th to 26th at participating pharmacies throughout New Jersey according to the state. The distribution is part of the Murphy Administration’s continued effort to combat the opioid crisis. That opioid crisis has intensified as people lose their jobs, can’t receive unemployment and their businesses have been shut down due to the Governor’s draconian executive orders. Many are mourning the losses of their moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas who died unnecessarily after the administration sent thousands of COVID-19 infected patients into nursing homes this spring. The drug epidemic in New Jersey is spiking, now killing more victims than the virus according to state figures.
“New Jerseyans will be able to visit participating pharmacies and anonymously obtain naloxone for free without a prescription or an appointment. Each naloxone pack contains two doses,” Murphy said. “Naloxone can reverse overdoses from opioids by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain.”
Those who obtain naloxone will also be given information regarding addiction treatment and recovery through Reach NJ, a 24-hour-a-day, 7 day-a-week addictions hotline where people who have Substance Use Disorder (SUD) or friends and family of people with SUD can get immediate assistance and support from live, New Jersey-based, trained addiction counselors.
An individual who calls the program’s toll-free number, 844-ReachNJ (732-2465), will reach a live staff member who will help connect you to treatment.
You can learn more about this program here.
Murphy’s administration did not mention when the free epi-pen weekend or albuterol rescue medication programs would be to save the lives of children who suffer from asthma and allergies.
Photo by Michael Longmire on Unsplash