NJ Now Lets Police Administer Anti-overdose Drug In Some Counties
BRICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — Some police officers in New Jersey are now permitted to administer a drug that counteracts heroin overdoses.
Gov. Chris Christie announced a pilot program Wednesday that allows police in Ocean and Monmouth counties to carry and administer the drug.
Christie says police in all 32 Ocean County towns are being trained how to administer Narcan, which is injected through the nose.
Ocean County's heroin deaths more than doubled to 112 in 2012.
Christie also met first responders in Brick Township to discuss the emergency treatment. The governor signed a waiver allowing first responders in New Jersey to carry and administer Narcan last week.
He says the waiver complements the state's Overdose Prevention Act, a measure that shields someone overdosing on drugs and those who get them medical assistance from prosecution.
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