Edison-Metuchen Pharmacies Give Away Free Naloxone This Week

EDISON, NJ — Beginning Thursday through Saturday, several Middlesex County pharmacies will be giving away free naloxone, as part of a state-sponsored distribution event.

During a COVID-19 briefing on Monday, Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said that May saw the highest number of suspected overdose deaths in any month in the last three years.

"Overall the state has seen a 12 percent increase in suspected drug related deaths from January to July 2020 when compared to the same period last year," she said. "Initiatives to get narcan, naloxone, into the hands of more residents are vital for battling the epidemic right now."

Naloxone works by blocking opioid drugs from binding to the brain. It can reverse and stop opioid overdoses. Further medical care is usually required after naloxone is used to stop an overdose.

The NJ Department of Human Services is making the opioid overdose reversal drug free at participating pharmacies from Sept. 24-26.

No insurance, prescription or name is required to pick up the medication.

Here are the locations in the Edison-Metuchen neighborhoods:

• Loving Care Pharmacy 1653 Lincoln HWY Unit 2 Edison
• RiteAid 416 Route 1Edison
• ShopRite Pharmacy of Edison Rt. 1 & Old Post Road Edison
• Boyt Drugs 411 Main Street Metuchen

The naloxone will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and is limited to one per person.