Earlier today in New Jersey’s State of the State address, Governor Murphy announced the launch of Naloxone365. This new program will enable every pharmacy in New Jersey to provide 4mg nasal spray naloxone anonymously and for free to any resident who requests it, at any time throughout the year.
When the Murphy Administration started the state’s free naloxone program, harm reduction advocates were loud and clear: every day should be free naloxone day. Today’s announcement accomplishes that.
In response, New Jersey Harm Reduction Coalition (NJHRC) released the following statement.
“This new program sends an important message: every New Jerseyan deserves access to naloxone, whether for themselves or a loved one, confidentially and without barriers or fear of stigma. Amidst the ever-changing and unpredictable street drug supply, more New Jerseyans are at-risk of overdose today than ever before. Widespread naloxone access is essential to the survival of all people who use drugs, and an integral part of ending the overdose crisis.
“At the same time, the governor is right that naloxone access alone will not end the overdose crisis. We need a Harm Reduction Center in every corner of the Garden State, an end to criminalization of people who use drugs, access to unbiased mental and physical healthcare, and housing justice. We look forward to working with Governor Murphy and lawmakers to expand harm reduction services, save lives, and uplift the dignity and humanity of all people who use drugs.”
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New Jersey Harm Reduction Coalition promotes harm reduction by distributing naloxone, fentanyl test steps, and other harm reduction supplies through peer-led programs; advocates for syringe access expansion and equitable drug policy reform; and organizes to build power among people directly harmed by overdose and the War on Drugs.
