Every day, lives are lost to opioid overdoses—a crisis that affects families, friends, and communities across New Jersey. But there is hope. With Naloxone365, you can take an active role in reversing this devastating trend.
The Department of Human Services and the NJ Board of Pharmacy have launched Naloxone365, a program designed to combat the opioid crisis by providing free, life-saving Naloxone (brand name Narcan) to anyone in need. This initiative is empowering communities to be prepared in the face of emergencies and save lives.
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.
How Naloxone Works
Naloxone is a medication that temporarily blocks the effects of opioids on the brain, restoring normal breathing in individuals experiencing an overdose. It works quickly, typically within minutes, and can buy critical time until emergency medical services arrive.
If administered to someone who is not experiencing an overdose, Naloxone causes no harm, making it a safe option in uncertain situations.
How to Get Involved
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, making them aware of how to opt into the program and get reimbursed by the NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid system.
Pharmacists can provide Naloxone to anyone anonymously, without requiring identification. Community members can also learn to administer it and help raise awareness of its availability.
Recognizing an Overdose
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 signs of an overdose include:
- Unconsciousness or inability to wake up
- Slow or shallow breathing
- A faint heartbeat
- An inability to speak
If you are unsure if the person is experiencing an overdose, you should still treat it as one. Naloxone will not harm someone who is not overdosing.
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/
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