The Jackson City Council voted to authorize the mayor to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the United Way of the Capital Area to place and maintain a Narcan (naloxone) distribution box at the Warren Hood Building.
Jason McCarthy, program development strategist for the United Way of the Capital Area, told the council during public comment that Narcan can save lives and demonstrated the product, saying, "If the person that you think is experiencing an overdose, use this. It will not hurt them if they are not experiencing an overdose." Councilman Parkinson and others emphasized education and prevention; Parkinson called Narcan "an extension of your first aid kit."
Council members voted 6-0 to approve the MOU. Mayor Horn also issued a proclamation declaring Sept. 25, 2025, "Save a Life Day" in Jackson to promote naloxone distribution and overdose-prevention education.
Council members and the administration said the initiative pairs an education component with a tangible access point for naloxone: the dispenser will be stocked and maintained by the United Way and partner organizations and will be available to the public. The administration scheduled further promotional events and a proclamation observance tied to the distribution effort.