These NJ Communities Are Suffering The Most In The Opioid Crisis

Opioid prescriptions have declined but the number of deaths caused by opioids continues to rise, according to the latest state data.

According to data published by NJ Spotlight, deaths due to heroin, fentanyl and other opioids hit 1,394 New Jerseyans through June 17, compared to 2,221 for all of 2016. Data from 2017 was not yet available.

That means the number of opioid deaths could actually pass 3,000 this year, according to data that NJ Spotlight obtained from NJCares, which maintains statistical information for the Office of Attorney General.

Read more: Data Shows 30 New Jersey Towns With Most Heroin Abuse

Some lawmakers say they're obviously concerned about the rise, and they've called for greater efforts to combat the epidemic. A few lawmakers have also asked for greater accessibility to Narcan, an antidote which is used to prevent a person from overdosing.

Asemblyman Kevin J. Rooney has introduced legislation allowing law enforcement officers obtain, administer and dispense opioid antidotes without a prescription.

“State law isn’t clear if the police need a prescription to possess and administer Narcan,” said Rooney, R-Bergen. “Their job is difficult enough. The police shouldn’t have to work under a cloud of uncertainty while giving a live saving antidote especially when there is an opioid overdose crisis.”

First responders administered Narcan more than 2,600 times between Jan. 1 and March 31 this year, according to state data provided by Rooney's office.

Below is a map that shows how many deaths have been reported in each county:

Here is the number for each community:

Patch file photo