The Department of Human Services and the NJ Board of Pharmacy have implemented a program to combat the opioid crisis.
Naloxone365 is an initiative designed to decrease opioid overdoses in NJ. Participating pharmacies will provide free Naloxone (brand name Narcan) to anyone over the age of 14 without a prescription. Naloxone is a prefilled nasal spray designed to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is easy to administer, safe, and has few side effects. Naloxone365 provides access to this life-saving medication making it more accessible. Having Narcan on hand helps our community be prepared for an emergency and we can save more lives.
The goal of Naloxone365 is to make Naloxone more accessible to everyone. The Be a H.E.R.O. (Helping Everyone Reverse Overdoses) campaign was launched by the New Jersey Prevention Network to outreach to pharmacies to make them aware of how to opt-in to the program to get reimbursed by the NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid system. Pharmacists can provide Naloxone to anyone anonymously and does not require identification.
What to Do If Someone Overdoses
If you suspect or know someone who has overdosed, call 911 immediately and administer Naloxone. Lay the person on their side and try to keep them awake. Some of the signs of an overdose include unconsciousness, slow or shallow breathing, faint heartbeat, and an inability to speak.
If you are not sure if the person is experiencing an overdose, you should treat it like an overdose. If the person is not having an overdose, the naloxone will not cause any harm.
If you would like a free virtual training on how to administer Naloxone, contact 732-235-4341 or PreventOverdose@rwjms.Rutgers.edu.
For more information and the list of participating pharmacies, visit https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/stopoverdoses/
Photo by Freestocks