Giveaways in Ocean County Highlight Real and Potential Health Crises

Two health-related giveaways in southern Ocean County cover crises typically not covered by health insurance.

Help for Heroin Abusers

A trip to Forked River tonight could save someone from death by heroin. The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office distributes free Narcan kits and offers training to families, 6 until 9 PM, at Lacey United Methodist Church on Lacey Road. Families who take advantage of the opportunity also receive vouchers for 30 days of treatment.

A spokesman for Prosecutor Joseph Coronato says that it will be, temporarily, the last distribution of kits funded through a media donation drive. The task now looms to raise money for more, without depending on tax dollars.

The Opioid Overdose Prevention Project is a collaboration of Coronato's office with JSAS Healthcare, Inc. and Barnabas Health Institute for Prevention.

Anti-Radiation Tablets

If you live, work or attend school within the 10-mile emergency planning zone around the Oyster Creek Nuclear Power Plant in Lacey Township, you should keep a supply of potassium iodide (KI) tablets in safe storage.

They're essentially salt pills that block radiation from entering the thyroid gland, and they are said to offer protection for 24 hours in the event of a reactor disaster. They can be bought in most pharmacies.

Their strength wanes with time. So if you've had them for several years, toss them and stock up on fresh ones, say staffers at the Ocean County Health Department.

They'll give them out, free of charge, from 3 until 7 PM at the Ocean County Police and Fire Academy, 200 Volunteer Way, in Waretown. Be sure to bring proof of residence.

See Exelon's emergency planning brochure here.