West Orange, NJ June 4: RWJBarnabas Health, through its Institute for Prevention and Recovery (IFPR), is expanding its hospital-based naloxone distribution initiative to individuals and communities across the state, increasing access to life-saving resources and connecting individuals to recovery support services. The program aims to distribute more than 15,000 naloxone kits and wellness bags through hospitals, community organizations, and outreach efforts across New Jersey.
“The goal is simple but urgent. We want to make sure anyone has access to naloxone and knows how to use it,” said Shalanda Tudor, Manager of Community-based Recovery Support Services at RWJBarnabas Health’s Institute for Prevention and Recovery. “The more people who have it, the more lives we can save.”
The initiative builds on IFPR’ Peer Recovery Program, which provides 24/7 support for individuals with substance use disorders in hospital and community settings, connecting them to care through Recovery Specialists and Patient Navigators.
In the first phase of the initiative, IFPR partnered with community providers in Hudson County and across the STAR Program’s network, where 29 agencies expressed interest in receiving kits following a needs assessment. To date, IFPR has worked with 10 partners and distributed more than 2,400 kits and wellness bags. Each kit contains naloxone, xylazine test strips, harm reduction supplies, personal care items, and educational resources.
Phase two is currently in development and will expand distribution through RWJBarnabas Health hospitals, creating centralized pickup locations for community partners while strengthening connections to peer recovery services. IFPR and its partners have already seen increased engagement, including more calls to community support lines following kit distribution.
“Every kit represents an opportunity to save a life and connect someone to care,” Tudor added.
By significantly expanding access to naloxone and harm reduction resources, this initiative has the potential to make a meaningful impact on New Jersey’s ongoing overdose crisis. Equipping thousands of residents, community partners, and healthcare providers with lifesaving tools not only helps prevent fatal overdoses but also creates more opportunities to connect individuals to treatment and recovery services. As distribution grows, RWJBarnabas Health aims to strengthen community-based support networks, reduce stigma, and ensure that more individuals across the state can access the care and resources they need when it matters most.
The initiative is supported through partnerships with community organizations, state agencies, and law enforcement, helping expand access across the state.
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