University Hospital Expands Overdose Response with Buprenorphine Induction Capabilities

Paramedics in Newark Now Equipped to Deliver Life-Saving Opioid Treatment at Point of Crisis

September 29, 2025 – University Hospital Emergency Medical Services (UH EMS) has expanded its overdose response efforts with the official launch of buprenorphine administration on all Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Mobile Intensive Care Units (MICUs) across Newark, Orange, and East Orange.

Buprenorphine is a life-saving medication for opioid use disorder that relieves withdrawal symptoms and reduces urges, providing patients with immediate access to treatment at the point of crisis. This transformative program strengthens the hospital’s capacity to directly address opioid withdrawal within the community.

“For many in our community, University EMS first responders, are often the first healthcare professionals they see. Offering buprenorphine in the field is a turning point that will help provide immediate relief and connect patients to long-term recovery wherever they are,” said Jason Brady, Executive Director of University Hospital EMS.

Buprenorphine begins providing relief within minutes, significantly reducing the time patients in withdrawal must wait for care. Research shows that patients treated with medicines, such as buprenorphine, have a significantly lower risk of death. One in ten people experiencing overdose may die within a year if not connected to treatment.

“This new initiative gives our paramedics another critical tool to support patients in crisis,” said Anna Michelle Brandt, Chief Operations Officer at University Hospital. “By expanding buprenorphine induction to all University Hospital paramedic units, EMS can provide rapid stabilization, relieve withdrawal symptoms, and quickly connect patients to ongoing treatment and recovery care.”

“I am thrilled to see this work finally come to Newark,” said Kaitlan Baston, Interim President and CEO at University Hospital. “This life-saving program will help stop the cycle of overdose and provide resources to people with addiction, while also freeing up resources for our EMS teams to treat other emergencies more efficiently.”

This expanded service was made possible through University Hospital’s partnership with   under the   BupeFirst grant. This effort is further strengthened by a dedicated EMS Care Navigator and an Advanced Practice Nurse, funded through grant-supported partnerships with Rutgers University, ensuring patients receive both immediate treatment and sustained recovery support. With these combined efforts, University Hospital EMS is transforming emergency response, turning moments of crisis into pathways toward recovery and hope for individuals and families affected by opioid use disorder.

About University Hospital

University Hospital is New Jersey’s only public academic medical center and the principal teaching hospital for all Rutgers Newark-based medical education, including Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Rutgers New Jersey Dental School. The hospital is the only State-Certified Level 1 Trauma Center in Northern New Jersey. For more information about University Hospital, please visit www.uhnj.org.