PRN Highlights Harm Reduction Resources Ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day

As International Overdose Awareness Day approaches on August 31, Prevention Resource Network (PRN) is highlighting the harm reduction resources available to people who use substances across Monmouth and Ocean counties.

PRN provides sterile syringes, naloxone, safer smoking kits, wound care supplies, adulterant test strips, and other harm reduction resources. Counselors also provide education and connect participants with health care and other community services.

From January through June 2026, PRN collected and safely disposed of 69,946 used syringes, a 42% increase from the same period last year. During that time, the program distributed 159,636 sterile syringes, up 9% year over year, and served 784 unique participants, a 6% increase.

“Harm reduction works best when people can access support on their own terms,” said Shannon Preston, MSW, LSW, Director of Public Health Initiatives at VNA Health Group. “That’s why we continue to look for ways to remove barriers, whether that means bringing services directly into communities, expanding hours, or making supplies available when our staff isn’t there. The goal is to make it as easy as possible for someone to take that first step toward protecting their health.”

Bringing Harm Reduction Resources Into the Community

PRN’s mobile harm reduction vans bring counselors and supplies directly into communities throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. The program currently serves 18 mobile sites across nine towns, in addition to its fixed site in Asbury Park, and has expanded mobile outreach to evenings and weekends.

PRN also offers access to harm reduction supplies outside the hours when staff are physically present.

In April 2025, PRN launched Monmouth County’s first harm reduction vending machine outside its Asbury Park location, providing free and anonymous access to supplies 24 hours a day. From its launch 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 boxes of naloxone. Most distributions occurred between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.

This summer, PRN brought the model to Ocean County through a partnership with Suburban Health Clinic, launching the county’s first harm reduction vending machine in Toms River. The location also includes a syringe return kiosk for the safe disposal of used syringes.

“The increase we’re seeing in safe syringe returns is especially important,” said Cole Zaccaro, Manager of Harm Reduction Services at PRN. “It means more used syringes are being disposed of safely, while creating another opportunity to provide education, answer questions, and connect someone with additional support when they need it.”

PRN has also launched a Harm Reduction Therapy program for people who use stimulants, adding another resource for participants.

Support Without Judgment

Anonymous feedback from PRN participants reflects the impact of the program’s approach.

“I think this place is wonderful and extremely helpful. Everyone is kind, caring, and respectful, and treats me like they care about me. I would highly recommend to anyone in need of help,” said one participant.

“They help our community without judgment. They save lives,” shared another.

Another participant said, “The staff here is very kind-hearted, and they genuinely care about their client’s well-being.”

International Overdose Awareness Day is observed annually on August 31 to remember those who have lost their lives to overdose and raise awareness of overdose prevention. For PRN, the observance is also an opportunity to highlight the harm reduction resources available to the community throughout the year.

PRN will also mark the week by welcoming the JBJ Soul Kitchen Food Truck to its Asbury Park site on September 3 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The visit will provide meals to PRN participants, with plans for the food truck to return on a regular basis.