Some residents upset over free narcan program in new jersey
June 15, 2017- ogden Utah USA: narcan and oxycodone bottle. Narcan is available over the counter to help combat opioid abuse and addiction

Some Residents Upset Over Free Narcan Program in New Jersey

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June 18, 2019

TOMS RIVER-A posting by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office on our Facebook page generated tens of thousands of reads and hundreds of comments from irate residents over the State of New Jersey’s offering of free Narcan to anyone who asks.  The program made available the popular opioid overdose drug free of charge statewide.

While many supported the state’s battle against drug abuse, which has become a global pandemic, with a very high concentration here at the Jersey Shore, many others wanted to know why the state’s life-saving assistance was just limited to Narcan.

“You can get this shit for free. But you can’t get the important life-saving drugs people need. Like insulin/EpiPens and ETC. this is some bullshit,” responded David Dachiowicz.  “Get high and overdose and do it over and over again. But don’t worry you are safe. To OD all over again. SMFH”

Maria Pelo asked, “Can we get free EpiPens?”
Others questioned why Narcan is being made available by the state, but other lifesaving emergency drugs such as EpiPens (Epinephrine) for children and adults suffering from potentially deadly allergic reactions and insulin weren’t also part of the state’s program.
“Insulin saves lives where can you pick it up for free????” asked Terry Rinebold.
EpiPens retail for about $600 for a two-pack, for those without insurance.  Insulin will cost uninsured patients about $400 per month.   Narcan, if purchased can cost between $120 and $150.
Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

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