Free Naloxone Distribution At 2 Brick Pharmacies

BRICK, NJ — People who want to carry the opioid reversal drug naloxone will be able to get it at no cost Tuesday at two pharmacies in Brick.

The free distribution event on June 18 is part of efforts to combat the opioid crisis in New Jersey. Residents will be able to visit participating pharmacies and anonymously obtain naloxone without an individual prescription or an appointment.

"The scourge of opioids continues to devastate families and communities across our state, and we must do everything we can to end the opioid epidemic," Gov. Phil Murphy said in announcing the distribution event. "Through this initiative, people who are battling with addiction will be able to receive access to this critical medication and help them get on a path to recovery."

Ocean County has been hit hard by the opioid crisis, and the county was the first in the state to equip all of its law enforcement and first responders with naloxone, often referred to by one of its brand names, Narcan, in response. Joseph Coronato, then county prosecutor, initiated the program in April 2014, paying for it with drug forfeiture money.

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

The crisis has continued to grow, even as work continues on efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of opioids and to address the issues that drive addiction, including mental health.

In 2018, more than 3,000 people died of overdoses in New Jersey, including 217 in Ocean County, according to data on the NJCares website, where the state tracks the opioid crisis.

"Naloxone use is an opportunity to get individuals with opioid addiction on the path to long-term recovery," said Valerie Mielke, assistant commissioner of the Department of Human Services, who manages the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. "Giving people this live-saving antidote is also an opportunity to get people on the path to recovery."

The Brick pharmacies participating in the event are:

• CVS, 989 Burnt Tavern Road, Brick
• Walmart, 1872 Route 88, Brick

Naloxone will be distributed one dose per person on a first-come, first-serve basis, and those picking it up will be given information regarding addiction treatment and recovery. The one-day distribution is part of a pilot program approved by the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy.

"Naloxone is a critical component in our efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and save lives. Last year in New Jersey, first responders administered the drug more than 16,000 times, preventing thousands of deaths," Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal said.

"Naloxone access is essential to reversing the tide of the epidemic. That's why I signed a standing order for pharmacists to dispense it to individuals and families without a prescription," said Dr. Shereef Elnahal, commissioner of the Department of Health.