Mazzeo To Equip Legislative Office With Heroin Antidote

Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo’s (D-Atlantic) legislative office in Northfield will be the first in the state to carry the heroin antidote Naloxone, Mazzeo announced on Monday.

Specifically, the office has purchased Narcan Nasal Spray, the brand name version of Naloxone, the lifesaving anti-overdose drug that has saved thousands of lives across New Jersey in the past several years.
Mazzeo shares an office with his district mate Senator Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic).

"My district office is a hub for constituents,” Mazzeo said. “We provide services to hundreds of Atlantic County residents every year and we're located in busy shopping center. Likewise, I've been very outspoken on the need to combat this epidemic and fight addiction. If God forbid someone comes to my office in the midst of a drug high, we stand ready to save lives."

"Assemblyman Mazzeo has been a leader in combating opioid addiction in our state," Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald (D-Camden/Burlington) said. "His work to educate children on the dangers of opioid addiction, prevent overdose, and reduce medical reliance on opioid prescriptions show his dedication to helping all New Jerseyans avoid and overcome the addiction crisis plaguing our communities. It's fitting that he's taken another proactive approach by becoming the first legislative office in our state to carry the lifesaving drug."

Mazzeo Chief of Staff Marshall Spevak said there wasn't a specific incident that led to the decision to carry Naloxone in the legislative office, but said that Mazzoe wants to lead by example when it comes to having the heroin antidote in major places. They also encourage other legislative offices to follow suit.

"The Assemblyman has been on the forefront in Trenton for expanding access to Naloxone," Spevak said. "We want it in schools and major places where people gather. Our office should be no different and actions speak louder than words."

Mazzeo has sponsored legislation to mandate that all high schools in the state carry Naloxone and provide low-interest financing to those who wish to start sober living facilities. He is also looking to loosen regulations surrounding Naloxone deployment by EMT's and firefighters.

Spevak purchased the 2-pack of Narcan Nasal Spray at a CVS Pharmacy in Egg Harbor Township for $18 through his health insurance plan. He said the assemblyman's office stock the antidote for as long as the epidemic exists, calling it an "open ended commitment."

“Atlantic County has been hit hard by the opioid and heroin epidemic over the last few years,” Mazzeo said. “We can't let up in the fight against addiction. Expanding access to Naloxone isn't a cure all, it's just the first step -- but it will save countless lives.”

Patch file photo