Free Naloxone In Livingston: NJ Tries To Slow Opioid Overdoses

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Pharmacies throughout New Jersey, including Livingston, will be giving out free packs of naloxone as part of a statewide campaign later this month.

Naloxone, which is also produced under the brand name Narcan, can potentially reverse an overdose on an opioid such as heroin by blocking the effects of the drug on the brain.

Participating pharmacies will be distributing naloxone for anonymously for free, with no prescription and no appointment. Each naloxone pack contains two doses.

According to the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), people who obtain naloxone will also be given information regarding addiction treatment and recovery through Reach NJ, a 24-hour-a-day, 7 day-a-week hotline available at (844) 732-2465.

The free giveaway will take place from Sept. 24 to Sept. 26. The naloxone will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. See a full list of locations here.

Participating locations in Livingston include:

• ShopRite Pharmacy Of Livingston, 483 South Livingston Avenue, (973) 740-2004

The naloxone campaign is the state’s second in as many years. In June 2019, roughly 32,000 doses of naloxone were distributed to local residents.

The New Jersey DHS has also distributed 53,000 free doses of naloxone to police departments, 11,352 free doses to EMS teams, 1,200 free doses to shelters for those experiencing homelessness and 400 free doses to libraries.

“We urge everyone to visit a participating pharmacy to get a free pack of this overdose reversal drug because, quite frankly, you never know when you’re going to need it to save a life,” Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson said.

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