The impact of opioid addiction and overdoses continues to be felt in New Jersey and across the country. Since 2018, tens of thousands of New Jerseyans have experienced an overdose and more than 15,000 have died of a suspected drug-related death. To combat this epidemic, New Jersey has worked to increase harm reduction efforts throughout the state including expanding the availability of naloxone through statewide distribution
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In January 2023, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced a program that allows anyone 14 years or older to acquire naloxone anonymously and at no cost at participating pharmacies across New Jersey. The NJ Department of Human Services partnered with the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy and its Medicaid division to craft and implement this unique program.