The Departments of Human Services and Education in New Jersey have announced that all school districts in the state can now obtain naloxone at no cost through the Human Services' Naloxone DIRECT program. This initiative was unveiled by Department of Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman and Department of Education Acting Commissioner Kevin Dehmer.
First Lady Tammy Murphy highlighted the importance of this measure during her visit to Bayside High School in Virginia, where she participated in a bipartisan discussion on fentanyl awareness with Virginia's First Lady Suzanne Youngkin. "Every community in our state has felt the impact of the opioid epidemic," said Murphy. "We know that preparation is key and that having naloxone readily available can mean the difference between life and death."
Commissioner Adelman emphasized the broad reach of addiction, stating, "Addiction doesn't discriminate and the heartbreaking reality is overdoses can happen in any setting." She urged all school districts to contact their County Office of Education to obtain naloxone at no cost.
Assistant Commissioner Kathy Ehling reiterated the commitment to safety: "By providing naloxone to schools across New Jersey, we are equipping our school communities with a life-saving tool."
To acquire naloxone, school districts must place orders through their respective County Office by submitting a form. Each case ordered contains 12 nasal sprays or 24 doses. The distribution process involves County Offices submitting orders via the Naloxone DIRECT portal and then distributing them to individual school districts.
In August 2018, Governor Murphy mandated that each educational institution serving grades nine through twelve develop policies for maintaining and administering an opioid antidote during regular hours or on-site events. Certified school nurses will primarily handle emergency administration, with trained staff stepping in if necessary.
Human Services Deputy Commissioner for Health Services Valerie Mielke highlighted the urgency: "Every minute counts when it comes to opioid overdose response." Renee Burawski, Assistant Commissioner overseeing Mental Health and Addiction Services, stressed ongoing efforts: "Our driving goal has always been to save lives."
Launched in 2022, Naloxone DIRECT provides eligible agencies with direct shipments of naloxone at no charge. Since its inception, it has distributed approximately 285,240 two-dose kits.
The Murphy Administration's broader efforts since 2018 have seen about 518,156 two-dose naloxone kits distributed statewide through various channels including pharmacies and law enforcement.
Commissioner Adelman encouraged those struggling with substance use disorder to seek help via the State’s addiction treatment helpline: "Treatment works, so please don’t hesitate to call."
