New Jersey Launches StopOverdoses.NJ.gov to Offer Free & Anonymous Naloxone at Pharmacies

Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman announces the initiative, aiming to distribute life-saving naloxone in the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis.

 In an ambitious step to combat the opioid crisis, New Jersey's Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman announced the launch of StopOverdoses.nj.gov. The website allows residents to locate pharmacies offering free and anonymous naloxone, a medication that can rapidly reverse opioid overdoses.

As part of the Murphy Administration's continued efforts to address the opioid crisis, the Naloxone365 initiative allows anyone aged 14 and older to request and obtain naloxone from participating pharmacies without a prescription or providing a name. Each visitor can receive a two-dose naloxone nasal spray kit per visit, free of charge.

Governor Murphy highlighted the initiative in his State of the State address in January, emphasizing the urgency of getting life-saving naloxone into as many hands as possible. The program has since recruited 610 pharmacies, distributing over 40,687 naloxone kits.

“Naloxone is a safe, easy to use, fast-acting and effective nasal spray medication to reverse an overdose and save someone’s life,” stated Commissioner Adelman. By making naloxone accessible and free, the initiative eliminates common barriers to this life-saving medication, reduces stigma, and may inspire people to seek long-term recovery and treatment.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin also thanked Governor Murphy for expanding access to naloxone, emphasizing the collaboration between the Department of Human Services and other partners to provide this medication anonymously and free of charge.

The Human Services department thanked the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy and all participating pharmacies for their support. The public-private partnership demonstrates a meaningful difference and highlights the willingness of New Jersey pharmacies to participate in this vital program.

In addition to Naloxone365, the Murphy Administration previously launched Naloxone Direct, giving eligible agencies direct access to naloxone shipments. The eligible agencies include first responders, harm reduction agencies, prosecutor's offices, libraries, and shelters.

Since 2018, Human Services has distributed approximately 270,000 two-dose naloxone kits throughout the state. The focus is not only on saving lives but also on guiding individuals towards recovery.

“Naloxone is not just an opportunity to save lives - it’s an opportunity to give more people struggling with addiction the chance to treat the effects substance use disorder has on their lives,” said Human Services Assistant Commissioner Valerie Mielke. Recovery assistance is a top priority, and naloxone availability represents one of the many resources aimed at reversing the tide of this epidemic.

Commissioner Adelman urged anyone seeking addiction assistance to contact the 24/7 addictions help line, ReachNJ, at 1-844-ReachNJ (732-2465). Trained addiction counselors based in New Jersey provide immediate assistance and support, regardless of insurance status.

The launch of StopOverdoses.nj.gov marks a crucial advancement in the ongoing battle against opioid addiction in New Jersey, with the potential to save countless lives and guide those struggling with addiction towards recovery.