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New Jersey decriminalized syringe possession statewide on January 18, 2022, repealing the law that had made carrying a needle or syringe a disorderly-persons offense. That capped a longer buildup: a 2015 law had already let syringe access programs get a standing order for naloxone and given staff immunity to carry and dispense it, and growth since has been dramatic. The state's own count of authorized Harm Reduction Centers went from seven in 2022 to 52 by the end of 2024. Fentanyl test strips and HIV and Hepatitis C testing are baseline services every authorized center has to offer. New Jersey's Good Samaritan law, the Overdose Prevention Act of 2013, protects the first person to call for help from prosecution for drug possession, but the protection does not extend to people at the scene if someone else, like police or a neighbor, was the one who actually reported the overdose.
The Department of Health's Overdose Hotspot Initiative specifically targets outreach and harm reduction resources toward the areas of the state with the largest racial disparities in overdose deaths. The state's Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund Advisory Council has made harm reduction expansion its top funding priority, recommending $12 million a year toward opening new centers.
With 52 authorized centers now spread across the state, a nearby option is more likely than not, and the NJ Harm Reduction Coalition's website keeps a current list.
Last reviewed September 2026 by Penny Beach, PRS.
Recently added agencies in New Jersey
Showing 8 recently added agencies in New Jersey out of 29 total — search a city above to narrow it down
Local listings for these cities. The number is how many locations are listed.
Find agencies that offer these critical services
Safe syringe exchange programs that reduce disease transmission and provide a connection to care.
No Cost or low-cost naloxone (Narcan) distribution to reverse opioid overdoses.
Confidential testing for HIV and Hepatitis C with connections to treatment.
Basic wound care services to prevent infections and complications.
Fentanyl test strips and drug checking services to reduce overdose risk.
Find harm reduction agencies in your state. See the national overview
Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. It is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs.
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