Ocean County Launches First Harm Reduction Vending Machine in New Jersey

Ocean County's first harm reduction vending machine began operating outside Suburban Health Clinic in Toms River on July 20, offering free, anonymous, 24-hour access to naloxone and other supplies aimed at preventing overdoses and reducing health risks associated with drug use. The installation represents a significant expansion of harm reduction infrastructure in a state where 2,816 residents died from drug overdoses in 2023.

The vending machine, the first of its kind in Ocean County and operated by Prevention Resource Network, a program of the Children & Family Health Institute at VNA Health Group, provides around-the-clock access to life-saving resources without requiring identification, insurance, or personal interaction with staff. A syringe return kiosk installed beside the vending machine allows for safe disposal of used equipment, addressing public health concerns about discarded needles while encouraging safe community practices.

What the machine provides

The vending machine stocks essential harm reduction supplies including naloxone nasal spray for reversing opioid overdoses, sterile syringes, safer smoking kits, adulterant test strips for detecting fentanyl and other contaminants, wound care supplies, sharps containers, condoms, and personal hygiene products. Prevention Resource Network manages regular restocking to ensure continuous availability.

During its first week of operation, participants received 110 syringes, 39 safer smoking kits, and 8 wound care kits, along with naloxone, test strips, condoms, and sharps containers. The immediate uptake demonstrates significant demand for accessible harm reduction resources, particularly during evening hours when traditional services are typically closed.

Building on proven success

The Toms River installation follows the success of Prevention Resource Network's first harm reduction vending machine, which opened in Asbury Park in April 2025. Between April 2025 and June 2026, the Asbury Park machine distributed more than 50,000 harm reduction supplies, including 41,180 sterile syringes, 7,930 safer smoking kits, and 566 boxes of naloxone. Distribution data revealed that the majority of visits occurred between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., highlighting the importance of after-hours access that traditional clinic schedules cannot accommodate.

"The supplies offered in this vending machine prevent overdose and reduce transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other bloodborne diseases," said Cole Zaccaro, manager of harm reduction services at Prevention Resource Network. "Our harm reduction counselors continue to provide these same lifesaving supplies alongside education and counseling throughout Ocean County during our outreach hours. The vending machine will ensure people who use substances and the people who care about them can access the supplies they need 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Integrated care model

The vending machine operates as part of a broader partnership between Prevention Resource Network and Suburban Health Clinic, which provides evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder through methadone and buprenorphine programs paired with individual and group counseling. Every Monday, Prevention Resource Network's harm reduction counselors conduct on-site outreach at the clinic, offering supplies, education, and connections to healthcare and other community resources.

"Addiction is a chronic medical illness, not a moral failing," said Anthony Scrofine, director of nursing at Suburban Health Clinic. "Harm reduction meets people where they are, while medications like methadone help them move toward long-term recovery when they are ready. These approaches are not opposites; they are complementary tools that save lives, reduce disease, and strengthen our communities. Every person deserves the chance to survive today so they can recover tomorrow."

Expanding harm reduction across New Jersey

Prevention Resource Network provides harm reduction resources and education at 16 mobile locations throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties, partnering with healthcare, recovery, and community organizations to deliver overdose prevention supplies, reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C, safely collect used syringes, and connect individuals to additional support services.

The organization is actively seeking additional community partners interested in hosting harm reduction vending machines, with interested organizations directed to contact Cole Zaccaro at Cole.Zaccaro@vnahg.org.

New Jersey has seen overdose deaths decline in recent years after peaking during the height of the synthetic opioid crisis, but the state continues to face significant challenges. The 2,816 overdose deaths recorded in 2023 represent a persistent public health emergency that claims more lives annually than motor vehicle accidents and firearms combined. Medication-assisted treatment programs remain available throughout the state for individuals seeking recovery support.

The Ocean County installation joins a growing network of harm reduction vending machines operating across the United States, from California to Massachusetts, as communities increasingly adopt evidence-based strategies that recognize the reality of substance use while prioritizing the preservation of human life. For individuals seeking information about addiction treatment options or support for a loved one, resources are available regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.