New NJ opioid-overdose program lets first responders order free naloxone treatment
TRENTON — The state Department of Human Services has launched a new Naloxone Distribution Program in partnership with the Department of Health and the Office of the Attorney General, officials announced Thursday.
The program allows eligible agencies such as law enforcement, first responders and certain community organizations such as libraries to register online and make requests for naloxone antidote shipments directly from manufacturers to treat drug overdoses any time they are needed, at no cost.
The naloxone, the opioid-overdose antidote, is paid for with federal State Opioid Response dollars.
“With nearly 3,000 New Jerseyans lost to overdoses each year, my administration understands the critical importance of promoting harm reduction measures that can save the lives of countless residents struggling with substance use disorder,” Gov. Phil Murphy said.
Of the 6,484 naloxone incidents reported statewide by the Department of Health for the first six months of 2022, 18.6%, or 1,208, occurred in Essex County, which topped the state, ahead of Camden County, with 15.2%, or 922 incidents.
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Of the 5,545 incidents reported by specific cities in the same period, Newark topped the state with 15.96%, or 885 incidents, ahead of Camden, with 5.83%, or 323 incidents, and Trenton, with 2.81%, or 156 incidents.
“Reducing barriers for first responders and community organizations to obtain naloxone will help ensure this lifesaving antidote will be available when it is needed most,” said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman.
Acting Attorney General Matthew Platkin said this new measure "not only ensures that law enforcement officers are able to keep enough naloxone on hand to treat individuals experiencing an opioid overdose, it also allows them to leave behind naloxone kits for future overdose emergencies.”
Over the last four years, the department has distributed more than 132,000 two-dose naloxone kits throughout the state. Kits also have been distributed through public giveaways at pharmacies and through distributions to law enforcement, emergency medical services, harm reduction centers and opioid treatment providers.
Eligible agencies that can apply to the program include first responders, law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services, harm reduction agencies, peer recovery centers, county prosecutor’s offices, family support centers, libraries, mobile outreach providers, opioid treatment programs, reentry programs, treatment programs and shelters.
Interested agencies that meet eligibility requirements must register online.
Once registration is completed, agencies will be able to log in to the Naloxone Distribution Portal and submit requests as needed.
Additional assistance is available through the state’s round-the-clock addiction treatment helpline, 1-844-ReachNJ, where people with an addiction or their friends and family can get immediate assistance and support from live, New Jersey-based, trained addiction counselors, regardless of their insurance status.
For further information, email naloxone@dhs.nj.gov.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ opioid program provides free naloxone to first responders
