Partnership between Prevention Resource Network and Suburban Health Clinic expands free, 24/7 access to overdose prevention and harm reduction supplies

Toms River, NJ — Ocean County's first harm reduction vending machine is now available in Toms River, providing free, anonymous, 24/7 access to overdose prevention and harm reduction supplies through a partnership between Prevention Resource Network (PRN) and Suburban Health Clinic.

The launch comes as drug overdose remains one of New Jersey's most pressing public health challenges. Although overdose deaths have declined in recent years, 2,816 New Jersey residents died from drug overdoses in 2023. The new vending machine expands access to lifesaving supplies at any hour of the day or night.

Located outside Suburban Health Clinic in Toms River, the vending machine provides free, anonymous access to naloxone, sterile syringes, safer smoking kits, adulterant test strips, wound care supplies, sharps containers, condoms, and other harm reduction supplies. A syringe return kiosk beside the vending machine also allows participants to safely dispose of used syringes 24/7. The machine is stocked and maintained by PRN and expands its existing harm reduction services throughout Ocean County.

Suburban Health Clinic provides evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder through methadone and buprenorphine, paired with individual and group counseling. The organization's harm reduction approach complements PRN's services.

The new vending machine in Toms River soft-launched last Monday, July 20. In the first week of distribution, participants received 110 syringes, 39 safer smoking kits, and 8 wound care kits, along with condoms, adulterant test strips, naloxone, and sharps containers, demonstrating an immediate need for accessible harm reduction resources.

The installation builds on an existing partnership between PRN, a program of the Children & Family Health Institute at VNA Health Group, and Suburban Health Clinic. Every Monday, PRN's harm reduction counselors provide on-site outreach at the clinic, offering supplies, education, and connections to healthcare and other community resources. The vending machine extends access to those resources beyond scheduled outreach hours, ensuring they remain available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"We are pleased to have a partner organization in Ocean County that recognizes the importance of engaging and empowering individuals who want to take control of their health and well-being," said Shannon Preston, MSW, LSW, Director of HIV Community Services at VNA Health Group. "This innovative harm reduction approach will not only directly affect individuals who use substances, but it will also improve the overall health of families and communities."

"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."

Beyond the vending machine, PRN provides harm reduction resources and education at 16 mobile locations throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. The program partners with healthcare, recovery, and community organizations to provide overdose prevention supplies, reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C, safely collect used syringes, and connect individuals to additional support services.

The Ocean County vending machine builds on the success of PRN's first harm reduction vending machine, launched in Asbury Park in April 2025. From April 2025 through June 2026, the machine distributed more than 50,000 harm reduction supplies, including 41,180 sterile syringes, 7,930 safer smoking kits, and 566 naloxone boxes. The majority of distributions occurred between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., demonstrating the demand for access outside traditional business hours.

"Addiction is a chronic medical illness, not a moral failing," said Anthony Scrofine, MSN, PMHNP-BC, LCADC, 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."

“We are excited and honored to be awarded this opportunity to continue serving our vulnerable community, including individuals experiencing homelessness, by providing access to essential items that help them remain safe and healthy. We acknowledge and understand that everyone

is not on the same level in their recovery journey; that is why it is important to meet people where they are. Our goal here at Suburban is to support, equip, and empower those in need while helping to restore dignity, hope, and well-being within the community we serve”, said Marlyn Dorsey, Program Manager at Suburban Health Clinic.

Organizations interested in hosting a harm reduction vending machine in their community can contact Cole Zaccaro, Manager of Harm Reduction Services, at Cole.Zaccaro@vnahg.org.

About the Children and Family Health Institute

As part of its comprehensive approach to community health, VNA Health Group operates the Children and Family Health Institute (CFHI), which serves more than 54,000 clients and families each year. The Institute delivers over 20 life-changing public health programs, including pediatric home care, early intervention, prenatal care, and primary care. CFHI provides the care and resources that children and families need to live healthier, happier lives. For more information, please visit https://vnahg.org/children-family-health-institute.

About Suburban Health Clinic

Suburban Health Clinic is a network of opioid treatment programs serving communities throughout New Jersey. The organization provides medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and behavioral health services using a harm reduction approach. Since opening its first location in 2020, Suburban Health Clinic has expanded to locations in Union, South Amboy, Toms River, and Woodbury, with a fifth location planned for Paterson.

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