Free Narcan Distribution Friday in Lakewood

If you know someone trapped in heroin addiction, a trip to Lakewood Friday evening could mean life or death.

Volunteers of Project Lazarus and staffers of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office distribute free Narcan (Naloxone) kits, starting at 6 PM, at Preferred Behavioral Health on Airport Road.

There are 75 kits available and no pre-registration is necessary, authorities said.

Members of the county Opiate Task Force equip you with the skills needed to administer it effectively.

Ocean County law enforcement was the first in the state to equip officers with Naloxone as heroin invaded in epidemic proportions. The treatment is credited with saving hundreds of lives statewide.

Observers have learned over time that more than one nasal application is sometimes needed to restore an overdose victim's vital signs.

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato harbors the hope that one visit to the brink of death will convince most, if not all, users to seek treatment. To that end, his approach is multi-tiered, involving resuscitation, treatment and education.

Project Lazarus is an Ocean County non-profit group that supports recovering drug addicts and raises awareness of drug-related problems.