By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced as part of their ongoing commitment to combat the opioid epidemic and support harm reduction, the Middlesex County Opioid Settlement Advisory and Implementation Council (MOSAIC) and the County Commissioners led and funded a new initiative in Woodbridge and New Brunswick.
With fully automated, 24-hour healthcare kiosks, residents now have free, around-the-clock access to essential health and wellness supplies and information on treatment options for individuals impacted by the opioid epidemic, officials stated.
According to Middlesex officials, this initiative, funded through a federal settlement with pharmaceutical companies involved in the opioid supply chain, is designed to reduce stigma and increase access to critical resources.
The kiosks serve as an alternative to pharmacies and local service providers, offering discreet access to harm reduction supplies when traditional sources may be unavailable, such as during evenings or weekends, officials said.
They also provide a stigma-free option for individuals who may hesitate to seek these resources through more traditional means, Middlesex authorities say.
“Middlesex County is taking bold, proactive steps to address the opioid crisis head-on with innovative, impactful, and convenient solutions. Through the Middlesex County Opioid Settlement Advisory Council, we ensure that every dollar we receive for 18 years from New Jersey’s settlement is used strategically to combat this devastating epidemic,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.
“The launch of these 24-hour Middlesex County Healthcare Kiosks underscores our commitment to being on the forefront of the fight against the opioid epidemic. I want to thank our local partners and the NJ Harm Reduction Coalition for standing with us to address this urgent public health crisis and support residents on their path to wellness.”
“As chair of the County’s Community Services Committee and a member of the County’s Opioid Settlement Advisory Council, I’ve seen up close the pain and suffering the opioid epidemic has caused for families and individuals right here in Middlesex County,” said County Commissioner Claribel A. Azcona-Barber.
“These 24-hour Middlesex County Healthcare Kiosks are the next step in the County’s proactive, compassionate, and comprehensive care strategy to address this epidemic by making care accessible to those in need, when and where they need it. I encourage anyone needing assistance for themselves or a loved one to stop by these kiosks.”
County officials say the kiosks located at Unity Square in New Brunswick and the Woodbridge Health Department are stocked with essential, life-saving resources, including:
- Linkage to Middlesex County Behavioral Health Navigators
- Information on behavioral health resources available to Middlesex County residents
- Narcan (naloxone) used to reverse opioid overdoses
- Fentanyl and Xylazine testing strips
- Wound care supplies
- Basic hygiene products
In addition, county officials stated that the kiosks offer information on free local medical clinics, the Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Law, and comprehensive directories for prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
Middlesex County has long been at the forefront of efforts to address mental health and behavioral health challenges, officials said.
In 2023, officials say, Middlesex County hosted a Behavioral Health Roundtable with New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin to reinforce behavioral health services as a crucial component of support for residents and share best practices on how to face these challenges affecting schools, the workplace, and everyday life.
COMMUNITY INPUT SOUGHT FOR FUTURE INITIATIVES
Middlesex County is committed to ensuring that funding from New Jersey’s settlement—received for a total of 18 years—is utilized effectively to support treatment, prevention, harm reduction, workforce development, and educational programs.
Middlesex County officials stated in addition to the recommendations and guidance from the Middlesex County Opioid Settlement Advisory and Implementation Council, Middlesex County is seeking public input to help determine how best to allocate these funds. The public input portal will close on October 31, 2024.
To access the online input form, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/opioidinput.
For more information on available programs and services for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/support.