Today, Governor Murphy signed into law far-reaching legislation to expand harm reduction services in New Jersey. The Syringe Access Bill (S-3009/A-4847) removes authority to approve and close syringe access programs (SAPs) from local municipalities and places that authority with the New Jersey Department of Health, aligning SAPs with other public health services. The Syringe Decrim … Read more
January 10, 2022 — Today, the New Jersey Legislature passed far-reaching legislation, sponsored by Senator Joseph Vitale and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri-Huttle, to expand access to syringe services, which are essential public health tools to end the overdose crisis. The Syringe Access Bill (S-3009/A-4847) will expand access to essential syringe access programs (SAP) throughout the state … Read more
Earlier today, the Senate and Assembly Appropriations Committees approved the Syringe Access Bill (S-3009/A-4847), sending the proposal to the full Legislature for Monday’s voting session. The bill would remove the restrictive municipal ordinance requirement that limits access to lifesaving syringe services in New Jersey. In response to the bill advancing through both committees, the New … Read more
December 21, 2021 — In an open letter sent to state lawmakers earlier today, more than 120 public health experts, clinical providers, academics, and recovery advocates called on the New Jersey Legislature to pass pending legislation (S3009/A4847) to expand syringe access services. “We are losing a generation of loved ones and family members to the … Read more
Today, the New Jersey Harm Reduction Coalition (NJHRC) launched “Essential, Effective, Human,” a public education campaign promoting the public health and human benefits of syringe access. The campaign features the stories of seven New Jersey residents — people who have benefited from syringe access, faith leaders, physicians, and syringe service providers — who support syringe … Read more
In response to the Biden Administration’s announcement of $30 million in harm reduction funding to support states and organizations who are responding to the nation’s devastating overdose crisis, members of Abolish the Drug War—New Jersey, a coalition of New Jersey drug war survivors, families, faith leaders, and advocacy organizations, released the following statement. Caitlin O’Neill, … Read more
Yesterday, December 2, Judge Michael Blee extended the restraints against Atlantic City’s enforcement of Ordinance 32 (which would terminate the city’s syringe access services operated by South Jersey AIDS Alliance) while the matter is being litigated. Judge Blee’s Order and Memorandum of Decision are attached below. Learn more about the fight to save Atlantic City’s … Read more
NEW JERSEY — In an open letter sent earlier today to Governor Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Oliver, and members of the Atlantic City Council, New Jersey’s harm reduction programs, faith leaders, and advocates for racial, economic and social justice called on the Murphy administration to protect Atlantic City’s syringe access services and expand these services throughout … Read more
March 9, 2021— Far-reaching harm reduction expansion legislation advanced through the Senate Health Committee earlier today. The bill package, sponsored by Senator Joe Vitale and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, would reduce overdose deaths, prevent infectious disease, and connect people who use drugs to non-judgmental support. The bills were applauded by advocates from New Jersey Harm … Read more
September 29, 2021 (Atlantic City) — Today, the South Jersey AIDS Alliance (SJAA) filed a lawsuit asking the Atlantic County Superior Court to prevent the Atlantic City ordinance banning syringe access from going into effect on October 12, 2021. SJAA is joined, as plaintiffs, by three anonymous Atlantic City residents who walk to the Oasis … Read more
