Between July 26, 2016, and Aug. 3, 2106, there were three fatal overdoses in Hunterdon County.
Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns, III has released new statistics showing that the heroin epidemic in Hunterdon County is getting worse.
According to Kearns, there were three fatal overdoses in Hunterdon County between July 26 and Wednesday. Two men, ages 42 and 49, and a 26-year-old woman died of apparent heroin overdoses. The deaths occurred in Pittstown, High Bridge and Clinton Township.
"The sickness of addiction is everyone's problem and it can no longer be ignored here in Hunterdon or elsewhere," Kearns said. "It's happening here. Our efforts include enforcing the law, preventing addiction, preventing death and preserving the quality of life for all families, regardless of their struggles."
So far in 2016 in Hunterdon County, 28 overdoses have been reported to police to date this year, compared to 40 for all of 2015. Of those, nine were fatal compared to 12 overdose fatalities in all of 2015 and eight in 2014.
One of those overdose deaths resulted in the arrest of Christopher T. Brown, 38, of Irvington, who was charged Friday with first-degree strict liability for drug induced death after he allegedly sold heroin to a Raritan Township man, Kearns said.
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"It is obvious that the recent statistics are showing that this epidemic is getting worse," Kearns said. "Parents, family, friends, law enforcement, faith-based communities and medical personnel are all part of the solution when someone is ensnared in the grips of an addiction.
"Recognition, treatment, and support from family and friends can help save a life. Preventing an overdose is just as important as responding to and treating one. It's not just a law enforcement or health care issue. It's a family issue. Education and awareness is crucial."
Of the 28 total overdoses this year, 23 were caused by heroin. There were 23 male and five female victims. Of the nine fatal overdoses this year, six were caused by heroin. Six men and three women died. The average age of the involved person is 39. The oldest was 58 and the youngest was 21, according to Kearns.
Gloucester County officials reported on Friday that "potentially lethal" doses of heroin were being distributed and that three people were revived with a heroin overdose antidote overnight.
The packaging for the heroin was stamped with the names "Red Snowman" and "Superstar." According to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office, heroin containing these stamps can be turned over to local police departments "with no repercussions."
"So far this year, police deployed Narcan and saved 18 people, compared to 16 saves in all of 2015," Kearns said. "Without police administering Narcan, that could have been 18 more deaths this year."
Narcan, also know as Naloxone, is an aerosol that is administered just like a nasal spray. It blocks the effects of an opioid for a period of time and permits emergency responders to get the victim to the hospital for treatment.
The effects of an opiate can last up to four hours so overdose victims who are administered Narcan will still require medical attention.
Police officers in Hunterdon County were trained and issued Narcan kits in 2014. Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Township has consistently provided funding for police officers to carry Narcan in the county since the program started.
"The impact of the heroin epidemic is not only tragic to families, but also causes a strain on healthcare and government services," Kearns said. "The overall impact on a community is affected as addicts often resort to crime to feed their addictions."
Kearns also pointed out additional programs meant to help this epidemic.
The Overdose Protection Act was enacted by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Chris Christie in 2013 with the purpose of encouraging witnesses and victims of drug overdoses to seek medical assistance and save lives.
In instances where evidence is obtained as a result of seeking medical assistance, those involved are protected from arrest, charge, prosecution, conviction, and revocation of parole or probation for possession or use of illegal drugs. The Overdose Prevention Act enables people to make the right decision in dialing 9-1-1.
The START program (Steps To Action Recovery and Treatment) was launched in 2014 by Kearns, the Safe Coalition of Hunterdon/Somerset Counties, Hunterdon Healthcare and the Hunterdon County Chiefs of Police Association.
It is designed to provide direct referral information, contained in a prepared packet, to individuals who are believed to be suffering in the grips of addiction or other crisis.
The START Packet is given to individuals and family members when they are released from jail or police custody; or after having contact with law enforcement or a hospital emergency room.
The packet is also available at various locations throughout Hunterdon County, including the county libraries. The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police has also endorsed the program statewide.