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A view of the Senate Chambers from the 2010-2011 Senate Reorganization.

29 Apr: Vitale/Codey/Weinberg ‘Overdose Prevention Act’ Approved By Senate

TRENTON – The Senate took action today on legislation sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale, Senator Richard J. Codey, and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg that would ensure those experiencing a drug overdose receive the medical attention they need to survive.

“With the Senate’s actions today, we are one step closer to ensuring that no one else needlessly dies because they did not have access to medication or emergency assistance to stop a drug overdose,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex. “Too many New Jersey families have had to endure the death of a loved one from an overdose, many of whom could have been saved if bystanders were not fearful that they would be arrested and prosecuted for petty crimes. Hopefully this bill will remove that fear and end their hesitation in reaching out for emergency help to save someone’s life.”

A view of the Senate Chambers from the 2010-2011 Senate Reorganization.

21 Mar: Vitale-Codey Legislation To Curb Prevalence Of Overdose Deaths In New Jersey Heads To Governor

TRENTON – The “Opioid Antidote and Overdose Prevention Act,” legislation sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale and Richard J. Codey, which would reduce the number of overdose deaths caused by opioids – such as heroin, oxycodone or morphine – in New Jersey was approved today by the General Assembly, receiving final legislative approval.

“Opioid overdose is quickly becoming a leading cause of death in America, with more people dying from it each year than from car accidents,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex. “In this state we need a comprehensive strategy to combat these deaths and ensure that victims are given the chance to live long, drug-free lives. Opioid antidotes are easy to administer and nearly foolproof. These antidotes should be made more easily available. By removing doctors’ and health care professionals’ concerns when prescribing or administering opioid overdose antidotes such as naloxone to those who may need it, we can allow the medication to reach its full public health potential.”

A view of the Senate Chambers from the 2010-2011 Senate Reorganization.

14 Jan: Vitale-Codey Legislation To Curb Prevalence Of Overdose Deaths In New Jersey Approved By Health Panel

TRENTON – The “Opioid Antidote and Overdose Prevention Act,” legislation sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale and Richard J. Codey, which would reduce the number of overdose deaths caused by opioids – such as heroin, oxycodone or morphine – in New Jersey was unanimously approved today by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

“More people in the United States die from drug overdoses than from car accidents. New Jersey needs a comprehensive strategy to end this epidemic and ensure that these victims have a chance to live a long, drug-free life,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, Chairman of the Senate Health Committee. “We can and should encourage doctors and health care professionals to proactively save the lives of possible opioid overdose victims, by removing any concerns or barriers that limit their likelihood of prescribing life-saving opioid overdose antidotes such as naloxone, allowing the medication to reach its full public health potential.”