Addressing The NJ Opioid Crisis: Program Aims To Reduce Overdose Death

NEW JERSEY — New Jersey has launched a Naloxone Distribution Program statewide, which lets qualifying agencies request the potentially life-saving medicine online, when needed, for free.

The program was developed in collaboration with the Departments of Human Services, Health, and the Attorney General's Office.

Naloxone, an FDA-approved opioid overdose reversal agent, reverses an overdose when administered. It works to counteract the effects of other opioids like oxycodone, heroin, and morphine.

“Having an ample supply of Naloxone is essential to our efforts to bring an end to the opioid epidemic and prevent overdose deaths,” Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. “Getting this life-saving medication into as many hands as possible is critical to saving lives, and this program does just that. It 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.”

Approved agencies register on a website and request free direct shipments of naloxone. Following approval, the medication will be shipped directly from the manufacturer. It is paid for with federal funds transferred to the state.

“This program builds on existing efforts to get naloxone into as many hands as possible," said DHS Commissioner Sarah Adelman. "Reducing barriers for first responders and community organizations to obtain naloxone will help ensure this life-saving antidote will be available when it is needed most."

According to Gov. Phil Murphy, 3,000 New Jerseyans die from overdoses each year. In July 2021, he signed six bills into law to combat the opioid epidemic.

"My Administration will not stop seeking solutions to help the many people throughout our state who have been impacted by the opioid epidemic,” Murphy said.

Law enforcement, first responders, and community organizations such as libraries can now register on a new website and request free naloxone shipments. It will be shipped directly from the manufacturer to avoid any delays and to maximize shelf life.

Harm reduction agencies, peer recovery centers, county prosecutors' offices, family support centers, mobile outreach providers, opioid treatment programs and other substance-abuse treatment programs, prisoner re-entry programs, and shelters are also eligible, according to officials.

Agencies that meet eligibility requirements must register by clicking here. After that registration is completed, registered agencies will be able to log in to the Naloxone Distribution Portal and submit requests for naloxone when needed.

This program builds on the Department's previous efforts to expand the reach of direct naloxone distribution.

Over the last four years, the Department has distributed over 132,000 two-dose naloxone kits throughout the state, as well as naloxone through free public giveaways at pharmacies and distributions to law enforcement, emergency medical services, harm reduction centers, and opioid treatment providers.

“Our driving goal has always been to save lives, and to do this we must make sure the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone is readily available to as many people as possible. We know that every minute counts when it comes to opioid overdoses and direct distribution of this life-saving tool will make a difference,” said Assistant DHS Commissioner Valerie Mielke, who directs the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). “We look forward to seeing the impact this program will have in saving lives.”

Overdose deaths in New Jersey have been on the rise for years, but they peaked early in the pandemic, despite efforts by substance-use treatment providers to continue providing care while the state was under lockdown.

According to state records, there have been an average of 2,624 drug overdose deaths per year over the last three years, with the highest spike occurring in May 2020.

“As always, we continue to urge residents struggling with substance use disorder needing addiction assistance to call the state’s addiction treatment helpline, 1-844-ReachNJ. We are here to help along the journey to recovery. Treatment works, so please don’t hesitate to call,” Adelman said.