Combating Opioid Overdoses: Somerset County Gives Away Naloxone To Businesses

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — In an effort to help stop opioid overdoses, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, Somerset County Department of Human Services, and Empower Somerset are joining forces to distribute naloxone to local businesses in the Somerset area.

"With the increasing impact of the opioid epidemic and the surge of evolving synthetic opioids, the need for the availability of naloxone in the community is imperative," according to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald.

The Somerset County Overdose Fatality Review Team (OFRT), in collaboration with Somerset County’s Operation Helping Hand (OHH) and Stigma Free Somerset County, will support local businesses by supplying them with naloxone and opioid education and training, and developing preparedness and confidence should a life-threatening emergency arise.

The OFRT is funded by the Department of Human Services. Somerset County appropriates funds it receives from the State’s Alcohol, Education, Rehabilitation and Enforcement Fund, established pursuant to P.L.1983, c.531, amended by Chapter 51 of P.L.1989 to implement the County’s Comprehensive Plan (CCP) for substance use disorder services. The CCP identifies ways to meet the prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery support service needs of Somerset County residents.

"Approximately 90 percent of case reviews showed that the decedent fatally overdosed while someone else was in the home. This is a startling observation due to the proven effectiveness of naloxone as a harm-reduction strategy. These deaths may have been prevented if naloxone was more readily available in homes and in the community. It was also determined that educating, training, and equipping community members to act swiftly and confidently in a potential overdose situation is a key opportunity to prevent future overdose deaths," according to release from Somerset County.

Anyone seeking substance use recovery services kindly reach out to Somerset County’s OHH by calling 908-393-8888, or the Somerset County OHH website at bit.ly/somersetohh; or emailing
ohh@co.somerset.nj.us to be connected to services.

The Stigma Free Somerset County initiative exists to reduce harmful stereotypes about
mental health and substance use. This is done through community education and
awareness and sharing information about resources so that residents and family members
do not suffer in silence. The initiative advocates against hate and for increased
community cohesion, diversity, and acceptance. For more information on how to get
involved contact stigmafree@co.somerset.nj.us

For businesses in Somerset County seeking naloxone kits, training, and education, contact Empower Somerset Kristen Schiro at: kristen@empowersomerset.com.