(Northfield, NJ) — Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo (D-Atlantic) announced today that his legislative office in Northfield will be the first in the state to carry Naloxone. Specifically, the office has purchased NARCAN® Nasal Spray, the brand name version of Naloxone — the lifesaving anti-overdose drug that has saved thousands of lives across New Jersey in the past several years. Mazzeo shares an office with his district mate Senator Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic).

“My district office is a hub for constituents. We provide services to hundreds of Atlantic County residents every year and we’re located in busy shopping center. Likewise, I’ve been very outspoken on the need to combat this epidemic and fight addiction. If God forbid someone comes to my office in the midst of a drug high, we stand ready to save lives,” said Assemblyman Mazzeo.

“Assemblyman Mazzeo has been a leader in combating opioid addiction in our state,” said Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald (D-Camden/Burlington). “His work to educate children on the dangers of opioid addiction, prevent overdose, and reduce medical reliance on opioid prescriptions show his dedication to helping all New Jerseyans avoid and overcome the addiction crisis plaguing our communities. It’s fitting that he’s taken another proactive approach by becoming the first legislative office in our state to carry the lifesaving drug.”

In the Legislature, Mazzeo has been on the forefront of pursuing policies to both expand access to Naloxone and sober living/recovery residences facilities — efforts that are working to combat the epidemic locally. Among others, he’s sponsored legislation to mandate that all high schools in the state carry Naloxone and provide low-interest financing to those who wish to start sober living facilities. Mazzeo is also sponsoring legislation to remove highly burdensome regulations surrounding Naloxone deployment by EMT’s and Firefighters as well as legislation for New Jersey put out guidelines regarding the co-prescribing of Naloxone in conjunction with opioids prescriptions.

Mazzeo’s Chief of Staff Marshall Spevak purchased the 2-pack of NARCAN® Nasal Spray at a CVS Pharmacy in Egg Harbor Township for just $18 through his health insurance plan.

Mazzeo added, “Atlantic County has been hit hard by the opioid and heroin epidemic over the last few years. We can’t let up in the fight against addiction. Expanding access to Naloxone isn’t a cure all, it’s just the first step — but it will save countless lives.