West Orange, N.J.-based RWJBarnabas is expanding its hospital-based naloxone distribution initiative statewide through its Institute for Prevention and Recovery, with the goal of distributing more than 15,000 naloxone kits and wellness bags across New Jersey.
The initiative will distribute kits through hospitals, community organizations and outreach efforts. Each kit contains naloxone, xylazine test strips, harm reduction supplies, personal care items and education resources, according to a June 3 news release from the system.
The program expands on the IFPR’s Peer Recovery Program, which connects individuals with substance use disorders in hospital and community settings through recovery specialists and patient navigators.
In the initiative’s first phase, IFPR partnered with community providers in Hudson County. Following a needs assessment, 29 agencies expressed interest in receiving kits. The IFPR has worked with 10 partners distributing more than 2,400 kits and wellness bags, the release said.
A second phase is in development and will expand distribution through RWJBarnabas Health hospitals by creating centralized pickup locations for community partners and strengthening connections to peer recovery services. The health system said partners have reported increased engagement, including more calls to community support lines following kit distribution.
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