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OVERDOSE PREVENTION
Due to the increasing number of overdose deaths related to
both prescription opioids and illicit drugs, Cape May County
Department of Health has created this toolkit to provide
resources for the community on how you can help.
Did you know Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times
stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine? It is
a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S.
Narcan is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose
from opioids—including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid
medications—when given in time.
Good Samaritan Law
Did you know that under the Good Samaritan Law, you are protected from liability when administering Naloxone/Narcan in good faith?
According to the New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety
(2023), "The Overdose Prevention Act or “Good Samaritan” law
provides witnesses who seek emergency help in overdose
emergencies with immunity from arrest and prosecution. A person
who in good faith seeks medical assistance (calling 911) for someone experiencing an overdose may not be arrested, charged, prosecuted or convicted for possession or use of drugs or drug paraphernalia.
The person who experiences a drug overdose and is the subject of a request for medical assistance is also provided with immunity from arrest and prosecution". "If you administer naloxone to someone you believe is having an overdose, you will not be liable. If you administer Naloxone in an emergency when you believe that another person is experiencing an opioid overdose, you will not be subject to any criminal or civil liability. When you obtain naloxone, be sure to review the patient overdose information provided by your pharmacist."
SIGNS OF OPIOID OVERDOSE
Overdose can happen anywhere, be prepared!
Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose can save a life.
