Hudson Pride Center, Partners in Prevention launch first harm reduction kiosk in Union City
Initiative to prevent opioid overdose deaths
By Chilltown Blues
Last year, data from the CDC showed a 24% decline in drug overdose deaths in the U.S. over the 12-month period ending in September under the previous presidential administration. But overdoses continued to be the number one cause of death among those aged 18-44, according to the CDC.
One factor that contributed to the decline is more access to the overdose-reversing medication naxalone, the CDC said. In partnership with Partners in Prevention, Hudson Pride Center has launched Union City’s first harm reduction kiosk providing Narcan (a brand of naxalone medication).
On Sept. 13, the kiosk was unveiled in front of the Union City office of Hudson Pride Center, NJ’s largest LGBTQ+ social services center.
Along with Narcan, the freely accessible kiosk carries first aid kits, hygiene kits and educational materials.
“Every three minutes, someone in the U.S. dies from an opioid overdose, but access to naloxone can change that outcome. By placing this kiosk in Union City, we’re putting lifesaving tools directly into the hands of community members when and where they’re needed most,” said Elizabeth Schedl, Hudson Pride Center’s executive director.
Union City Mayor Brian Stack urged those struggling with opioid use “to visit our new kiosk site to get the help that may be needed."
For Partners in Prevention staff, the kiosk represents key preventative care measures in its accessibility and as a measure of reducing stigma.
Hudson Pride Center’s Union City office is located at 4428 Bergenline Ave. Learn more about their social services initiatives at HudsonPride.org.