Naloxone Kits Now In All Monmouth County High Schools

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — Every high school in Monmouth County is now equipped the anti-overdose drug naloxone, Monmouth County Prosecutor Chris Gramiccioni announced Monday.

The naloxone kits were distributed to all the schools and provided free-of-charge by Adapt Pharma, of Radnor, Pa. Earlier this year, an 11-year-old Cape May County boy was saved by naloxone administered in school after he overdosed on an opioid. In Monmouth County, overdoses have been seen in people as young as 15 years old.

“We have not had a drug overdose death at any school in Monmouth County," said Prosecutor Gramiccion. "But with that said, one never knows whether an overdose could occur at or near a school. Having additional trained staff to administer naloxone, if necessary, can save a life."

"I hope schools never have to use these kits, but we want them to be prepared," he added.

Every public, private and parochial high school in Monmouth County is now armed with the same life-saving antidote that law enforcement officers, EMTs and firefighters have been carrying since 2014. Naloxone, used commonly when people OD on heroin or other opiates, is responsible for saving nearly 1,000 lives in our county since its deployment. Statewide, naloxone has been deployed nearly 10,000 over the past 3 years.

Dr. Victor Almeida, Director of the Emergency Department at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, provided training for school staff on how to use the naloxone in the event an overdose were to take place at school.

“The latest reports from drug abuse experts indicate our young people are at the greatest risk for drug addiction," said Monmouth County Chief of Detectives Michael Pasterchick. "We can’t ignore the fact that kids are using and abusing drugs and dying at alarming rates. We must battle this deadly addiction, and these naloxone kits will help fight the fight."

A photo of the nasal spray kits, provided by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.