Pharmacies across New Jersey gave out one free dose of Naloxone per person on Tuesday.
Naloxone, better known as Narcan, is a drug that can reverse opioid overdoses.
The Commissioner of Human Services, Carole Johnson, was at a Walgreens in Newark and encouraged customers to take part in the program. Johnson said this day is part of the overall effort of the state to get addicts into treatment.
Organizers said there would be up to 20,000 packets of Narcan available statewide, with two doses per pack.
Anyone obtaining the free Narcan was also given information regarding addiction treatment and recovery. New Jersey experienced more than 3,000 overdose deaths in 2018.
Select locations of chain pharmacies, as well as community pharmacies, participated in the event.