Buster Boxes: Expanding Access to Lifesaving Narcan Across Bergen County

Last fall, Children’s Aid and Family Services introduced a new initiative to make lifesaving medication more accessible in our community. With support from the Marri family of River Edge, we launched “Buster Boxes.” These newspaper-style dispensers provide free Naloxone (Narcan) in towns across Bergen County.

The boxes are named in memory of Buster Marri, who passed away in 2021 at age 24 as a result of an accidental fentanyl overdose. To honor him, the Marri family created Busterstock, a free concert that raises funds for the Buster Spike Lucky Elkin Marri Love & Luck Fund at Children’s Aid and Family Services. The Fund made the initial launch of 12 boxes possible.

The first Buster Box was unveiled at the Paramus Public Library during last year’s Busterstock event. Soon after, the Marri family joined our staff at the River Edge Library to mark the installation of another box. The goal of the Buster Box is to help community members access lifesaving Narcan discreetly and without barriers.

“Buster suffered from the disease of addiction, and our family knows firsthand that addiction needs to be treated with love and care,” said his sister, Samantha Marri. “We hope that the Buster Boxes will save lives.”

In 2024, law enforcement reported more than 500 suspected overdoses in Bergen County, demonstrating the ongoing need for greater access to Narcan in public spaces and community settings.
The response to the Buster Boxes has been encouraging. An additional dispenser was recently installed at the Maywood Library. And our BC HEAP (Bergen County Higher Education Addiction Prevention Consortium) team installed one at Eastwick College and aims to install a Buster Box each year at our other partner higher education institutions.

“We’re restocking most of the boxes monthly,” says Jessica Fernandez, Director of Recovery Supports, “and a handful need to be restocked more frequently. Community members have already asked for additional boxes in new locations.”

“Our community deserves the tools and support needed to prevent overdose deaths,” says Shavonda E. Sumter, President and CEO. “We are truly grateful to the Marri family for helping make Narcan available where people live, work, and gather.”

Your support can help bring more Buster Boxes to additional towns. Gifts from our generous supporters allow us to expand access and continue offering Narcan at no cost to those who may need it. Together, we can save lives. Please donate at: https://cafsnj.ejoinme.org/donate-now.

 

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IMPACT NEWSLETTER – March 2026

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  • Strengthening Families Together