Local canvassers from Sea Change Recovery Community Organization and Harm Reduction Center will be knocking on doors in Little Egg Harbor to offer free overdose education and prevention resources to residents. The canvass is being led by Sea Change, a Southern Ocean County non-profit working to reduce overdose numbers locally and statewide. 

Compared to other counties in New Jersey, Ocean County has experienced an unprecedented number of overdose deaths within the past several years. The most recent data from the New Jersey Coordinator for Addiction Responses and Enforcement Strategies (NJ CARES) reports that in 2023, Ocean County had 168 suspected overdose deaths and 677 naloxone administrations. 

Photo credit: Anshul Mahakud

Funded through the New Jersey Department of Health, Sea Change's door-to-door canvass program seeks to meet and connect with Little Egg Harbor residents to spread awareness about drug overdose prevention and equip people with tools and resources to help those struggling with substance use. The canvass not only provides life-saving resources and connects community members with local public health resources and other community referrals, but also serves to combat the stigma associated with individuals facing substance use challenges. 

As the first canvass of its kind for Ocean County, the project draws upon its partnership with the New Jersey Resource Project, a community expert in canvassing. The canvass team is comprised of a group of Little Egg Harbor residents, accompanied by Sea Change recovery coaches who are also trained harm reduction specialists. The team will provide interested households with free harm reduction education and supplies, including free naloxone (Narcan) and drug testing kits. Naloxone – known more commonly by the brand name, Narcan – is a life-saving medication that is used to reverse opioid overdoses.

“This project is a great example of Opioid Settlement dollars at work and positively impacting the community. Rural communities, such as Ocean County, face numerous challenges in addressing the opioid epidemic and other substance use disorders. Compared to urban areas, the resources available for education, prevention, treatment, and recovery are often limited in rural communities like ours,” said Elizabeth Burke Beaty, Founding Executive Director of Sea Change. “Stigma is another significant issue: it can contribute to isolation and increased substance use which often prevents people from seeking the treatment and support they need. We are meeting people face-to-face to show we care deeply, we are here and we will not judge anyone who may be afraid or unable to ask for help."

“Many of our neighbors have witnessed the overdose crisis first-hand or know someone affected. I wanted to get involved in this first-of-its-kind project to help prevent these tragedies in our county,” said Noah Fisk, one of Sea Change’s door-to-door canvassers. “At the doors, residents seem to really sympathize with the cause and recognize the benefits of harm reduction for our entire community. It’s satisfying to be part of the solution.”

“As a resident of Little Egg Harbor for 40 years I've seen our law enforcement and first responders on the front lines of this crisis for far too long, and I have witnessed the devastating effects. I take a lot of pride in being a part of a town that is supporting this practical, life-saving approach that helps ensure our neighbors receive the education and support they deserve. I cherish our community and am grateful to Chief Hawkins and the Little Egg Harbor Police Department for being great community partners.  I truly hope that other local towns will follow their example. Think of all the lives we can save and change!” says Renee Rithianos, a Peer Recovery Support Specialist at Sea Change and a person in long-term recovery.

Sea Change is working to end drug-related overdose deaths through education, harm reduction services, peer recovery support, and public awareness. In 2024, the organization distributed over 825 naloxone kits and provided peer recovery services to more than 80 residents in Ocean County.