A new effort in Paterson is making a lifesaving overdose reversal drug available to the public free of charge and around the clock.

Kiosks installed across the city are now stocked with naloxone, also known as Narcan, a medication that can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in minutes.

Community leaders with Black Lives Matter Paterson behind the initiative say the goal is simple — save lives.

The kiosks provide free doses of naloxone along with clear, simple instructions on how to use the medication in an emergency. Advocates say expanding access is key, especially because overdoses can happen at any time.

"We do have a lot of overdoses, and so this is helping save lives," said Tori Sutera, a harm reduction specialist at BLM Paterson. "It might seem like, 'Oh, why are you guys giving out Narcan?' It might seem like it's enabling, but at the end of the day, people are going to use, and people don't always know what they're using, because of how processed the substances have become."

Organizers say that more than 500 boxes have been dispensed and say it's already showing progress.

"There has been a significant decrease in overdose deaths in the County Passaic from before to after we put out our kiosk, which is, you know, tangible evidence that it's working," Sutera added.

Each kiosk can be found at the following locations:

Advocates also say making naloxone more accessible helps reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and encourages people to take action during an emergency.

"Sometimes there's a stigma to go into, like pharmacies and get this for people who use drugs in the community and are unhoused," Jemarr Walker, harm reduction specialist at BLM Paterson. "So, for them to just go stop right outside of these places and pick them up for free, that's a win."

Organizers hope the kiosks will also encourage more conversations about addiction, recovery, and mental health in the community.

The latest data from 2024 shows Passaic County remains one of the highest in new jersey for unintentional opioid overdose deaths.

City leaders say they plan to keep the kiosks stocked and are considering expanding the program to additional locations in the future.