TRENTON – Naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug, will be available free at participating pharmacies throughout New Jersey on June 18.

Gov. Phil Murphy announced that residents will be able to visit participating pharmacies and anonymously obtain naloxone, also known under the brand Narcan, at no cost that day without a prescription or an appointment.

“The scourge of opioids continues to devastate families and communities across our state, and we must do everything we can to end the opioid epidemic,” Murphy said in a release. “Through this initiative, people who are battling with addiction will be able to receive access to this critical medication and help them get on a path to recovery.”

Naloxone will be distributed one dose per person on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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Naloxone can reverse overdoses from opioids by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain. People who obtain naloxone during the June 18 distribution day will also be given information about addiction treatment and recovery. The one-day distribution of free naloxone is part of a pilot program approved by the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy.

“Naloxone is a critical component in our efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and save lives. Last year in New Jersey, first-responders administered the drug more than 16,000 times, preventing thousands of deaths,” Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal said in the release. “By participating in the Murphy Administration’s pilot program to provide naloxone free of charge, New Jersey pharmacies are not only expanding access to this life-saving drug, they’re reinforcing their role as vital allies in the battle to end New Jersey’s opioid crisis.”

The following pharmacies will be participating:

Middlesex

Edison: ShopRite Pharmacy of Edison, Route 1 and Old Post Road

ShopRite Pharmacy of Edison, Route 1 and Old Post Road Highland Park : Rite Aid, 332 Raritan Ave.

: Rite Aid, 332 Raritan Ave. Metuchen : Boyt Drugs, 411 Main St.

: Boyt Drugs, 411 Main St. New Brunswick : Walgreens, 20 Jersey Ave.

: Walgreens, 20 Jersey Ave. North Brunswick: Walmart, 979 Route 1 south.

Walmart, 979 Route 1 south. Old Bridge: ShopRite Pharmacy of Old Bridge, Route 9 and Fairway Plaza.

ShopRite Pharmacy of Old Bridge, Route 9 and Fairway Plaza. Old Bridge: Walmart, 1126 Route 9.

Walmart, 1126 Route 9. Sayreville : Rite Aid, 3553 Washington Road.

: Rite Aid, 3553 Washington Road. Perth Amboy: ShopRite Pharmacy of Perth Amboy, 365 Convery Blvd.

ShopRite Pharmacy of Perth Amboy, 365 Convery Blvd. Perth Amboy : Walgreens, 520 Convery Blvd.

: Walgreens, 520 Convery Blvd. South Plainfield : Twin City Pharmacy, 1708 Park Ave.

: Twin City Pharmacy, 1708 Park Ave. Woodbridge : Walmart, 360 Route 9 north.

: Walmart, 360 Route 9 north. Woodbridge: Colonia Pharmacy, 515 Inman Ave.

Somerset

Manville : Walmart, 100 North Main St.

: Walmart, 100 North Main St. Somerville : Walgreens, 129 Somerset St.

: Walgreens, 129 Somerset St. Watchung: Walmart, 1501 Route 22

Hunterdon

Raritan Township: Reading Ridge Pharmacy, 8 Reading Road

Union

Cranford : Bell’s Pharmacy, 17 N. Union Ave.

: Bell’s Pharmacy, 17 N. Union Ave. Plainfield : Walgreens, 1147 South Ave.

: Walgreens, 1147 South Ave. Westfield: Tiffany Natural Pharmacy, 1115 South Ave West

Staff Writer Mike Deak: 908-243-6607; mdeak@mycentraljersey.com