Opioid-overdose Antidote Naloxone Free to Residents Sept. 24-26 at Local Pharmacies

Governor Phil Murphy announced the state will offer the opioid-overdose reversal drug naloxone (commonly called Narcan) for free to residents at participating pharmacies throughout New Jersey, including 14 in Somerset County, from Sept. 24 through 26.

As part of the Murphy administration’s continued effort to combat the opioid crisis, New Jerseyans can visit participating pharmacies and anonymously obtain naloxone for free with no prescription and no appointment. Each naloxone pack contains two doses.

For participating pharmacies, visit nj.gov/humanservices/stopoverdoses. The naloxone will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Below is a partial list of participating pharmacies:

This will be the Murphy administration’s second free naloxone distribution to residents. Human Services in June 2019 oversaw a free naloxone distribution at pharmacies that led to residents receiving 32,000 doses of naloxone.

Naloxone can reverse overdoses from opioids by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain.

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Those who pick up free naloxone will be given information regarding the state’s addiction treatment helpline, 1-844-ReachNJ, a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week addictions help line, where people facing addiction or their friends and family can get immediate assistance and support from live, New Jersey-based, trained addiction counselors.

ReachNJ assists callers regardless of their insurance status.

Participating pharmacies have standing orders from the Department of Health for dispensing of naloxone. The distribution is a Human Services program approved by the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy.