No Charge and Anonymous Narcan Available Locally

From Ellen Trotta Carmody

Franklin Lakes Addiction and Recovery Advisor

For the first time in years, there is good news to report on the opioid overdose front. Nationwide, overdose deaths have dropped by an average of 14% and in New Jersey, deaths have dropped by 31%! This is significant and hopeful news, but we still have a long way to go to fight this horrible epidemic.

Many factors have contributed to this decline, one of which is the increasing availability of naloxone (Narcan), which reverses the symptoms of an opioid overdose. As we reported in August, Franklin Lakes has installed 10 Narcan cabinets throughout our public spaces, located by existing AED cabinets. You can save a life if you encounter someone having an opioid overdose. 

In January 2023, Governor Murphy announced a program to allow anyone 14 years or older to acquire naloxone (Narcan) anonymously and at no cost at participating pharmacies across New Jersey. The list of participating pharmacies organized by county can be found at https://nj.gov/humanservices/stopoverdoses/. 

Some local pharmacies offering no charge and anonymous Narcan are:

• Stop & Shop - Franklin Lakes, Ridgewood
• Sicomac Pharmacy – Wyckoff
• Rite Aid – Waldwick
• Rock Ridge Pharmacy – Glen Rock
• Riverview Pharmacy – Wayne

It’s as easy as asking for naloxone at the pharmacy counter. You will be handed a box of naloxone (Narcan) and you will sign your name as John or Jane Doe. Please note that many pharmacies only carry a few boxes on hand at a time, so you may be asked to return in a few days if they are out of stock.

I believe that every family should have Narcan in their homes. Every college student should be sent to school with a box. You never know when the opportunity will arise when you can save a life!

As the Borough of Franklin Lakes REACH’s Addiction and Recovery Advisor, I am available, on a strictly confidential basis, to assist residents who are in crisis and need help navigating the many resources available to help.

Ellen Trotta Carmody

Cell: 201-466-1408   

reach@franklinlakes.org

How to Administer Narcan (Naloxone):

Narcan is a very easy nasal spray to administer and rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. If you suspect an opioid overdose, administer the first nasal spray dose of Narcan and dial 911. To administer Narcan, you can follow the simple directions on the box.

REACH (REducing Addiction through Care and Help)

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