Where Cranford Residents Can Get Free Naloxone Tuesday (Update)

CRANFORD, NJ — Several area pharmacies will give away free naloxone during a state-sponsored distribution day next week.

NJ Human Services is making the opioid overdose reversal drug free at participating pharmacies on June 18. No insurance, prescription, payment or name is required to pick up the medication. The naloxone will be distributed on a first come, first served basis, and is limited to one per person. The one-day distribution of free naloxone is part of a pilot program approved by the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy.

“With more than 3,000 overdose deaths in New Jersey last year, the Murphy Administration is taking action to empower residents to help prevent overdoses,” said New Jersey Department of Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson. “We are making the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone available for free on June 18 to help New Jerseyans have the tools they need to support their friends and loved ones and to give us every opportunity to save lives and connect people with opioid addiction to treatment.”

The following area pharmacies will participate:

• Tiffany Natural Pharmacy 1115 S. Ave., W Westfield
• Bell’s Pharmacy 17 N Union Ave., Cranford
• Camacho Pharmacy 509 Elizabeth Ave., Elizabeth
• ShopRite Pharmacy of Elizabeth 865 West Grand Street, Elizabeth
• Stop and Shop Supermarket 801 Newark Ave., Elizabeth
• Walgreens 600 Newark Ave., Elizabeth
• Walgreens 1147 South Ave., Plainfield
• ShopRite Pharmacy 2401 US Hwy 22, West Union

Naloxone, frequently referred to by its brand name Narcan, works by blocking opioid drugs from binding to the brain, and can reverse and stop opioid overdoses. Further medical care is usually required after naloxone is used to stop an overdose. It can be given as an injection but most free kits are generally the spray version.

“Naloxone is a critical component in our efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and save lives. Last year in New Jersey, first responders administered the drug more than 16,000 times, preventing thousands of deaths,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “By participating in the Murphy Administration’s pilot program to provide naloxone free of charge, New Jersey pharmacies are not only expanding access to this life-saving drug, they’re reinforcing their role as vital allies in the battle to end New Jersey’s opioid crisis.”

Click here for a list of every participating pharmacy in New Jersey.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are things to keep in mind when administering naloxone:

• People who are given naloxone should be observed constantly until emergency care arrives and for at least 2 hours by medical personnel after the last dose of naloxone to make sure breathing does not slow or stop.
• Naloxone is an extremely safe medication that only has a noticeable effect in people with opioids in their systems. Naloxone can, butt does not always, cause withdrawal symptoms which may be uncomfortable, but are not life-threatening; on the other hand, opioid overdose is extremely life-threatening. Withdrawal symptoms may include headache, changes in blood pressure, rapid heart rate, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and tremors.
• There is a naloxone finder available to search through the drugabuse.gov website.

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