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Power’s Pharmacy was First to Receive Department’s Standing Order allowing Naloxone Distribution without Prescription

As part of Free Naloxone Distribution Day on June 18, New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal will visit Power's Pharmacy in Browns Mills to discuss the benefits of Naloxone — the opioid reversal drug — and its critical role in addressing the opioid epidemic.

Earlier this month, Governor Phil Murphy announced free distribution of naloxone at participating pharmacies throughout New Jersey on June 18 as the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ initiative to combat the opioid crisis. The Department has issued more than 500 standing orders to pharmacies throughout the state allowing them to distribute Naloxone to individuals without a prescription since October 2017.

Power’s Pharmacy was the first in the state to receive a standing order to dispense naloxone.

“We’ve lost nearly 900 people to overdose deaths already this year, so Naloxone Day is about getting this life-saving resource into the hands of more people and more families who are struggling to help their loved ones. We must do whatever we can to erase the judgement and stigma often associated with substance use disorder,” Commissioner Elnahal said. ““I’m honored to join pharmacist John Power, who has gone beyond the standing order to educate families and give those struggling a second chance at life and advocate for this life-saving resource in his community—saving lives along the way.”

Commissioner Elnahal will join Power for a conversation about the opioid epidemic and importance of widespread Naloxone distribution at 2 p.m. at Power’s Pharmacy (558 Lakehurst Rd, Browns Mills, New Jersey, 08015).

“As a father who lost a son to the opioid epidemic three years ago and as a practicing pharmacist in this state, I have met so many families in the community who have experienced similar devastation. Erasing stigma associated with substance use disorder is the first step in helping individuals realize they are more than their addiction,” said John M. Power, Power’s Pharmacy Owner and Head Pharmacist. “Through my work in distributing Naloxone and educating the community about its benefits, , I have been able to carry on my son’s memory and help to save the lives of others.”

Naloxone can reverse overdoses from opioids by blocking the effects of the drug on the brain.

Those interested in receiving free naloxone that day can come to the pharmacy and have a consultation with a pharmacist on site. Educational materials will also be distributed.

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