NJ Health Commissioner Highlights Life-Saving Services at Asbury Park Harm Reduction Center

Jeffrey Brown, Acting Commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Health, recently toured the Prevention Resource Network’s Regional Harm Reduction Center in Asbury Park, spotlighting the center's innovative approaches to addressing the overdose crisis. This visit, ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day, highlighted the center's mobile harm reduction services and the first 24/7 harm reduction vending machine in Monmouth County, which has already distributed vital supplies like naloxone and safer smoking kits.

The tour emphasized the importance of meeting individuals where they are, offering services that are both compassionate and effective in reducing harm and saving lives. Commissioner Brown praised the center's efforts, noting the practical and essential nature of their work. The mobile unit, approved two years prior, provides naloxone, sterile syringes, and pathways to treatment, showcasing a model of care that is both trauma-informed and non-stigmatizing.

Christopher Rinn, President & CEO of VNA Health Group, and Shannon Preston, MSW, Executive Director of PRN, shared insights into the broader impact of harm reduction services. These interventions not only prevent overdose deaths but also curb the spread of HIV and hepatitis, offering a public health approach that respects the dignity of all individuals. For more information on their services, visit https://prnvnacj.org/.

The visit by Commissioner Brown and his team underscores the state's commitment to expanding harm reduction services, recognizing their vital role in addressing the overdose epidemic and supporting communities affected by substance use. The Prevention Resource Network's work exemplifies how harm reduction can bridge gaps in care, offering hope and tangible support to those in need.