Gallatin County court OKs health department to place Narcan box at fairgrounds

The Gallatin County Fiscal Court on Oct. 2 voted to allow the county health department to place a blue overdose-response box containing naloxone (Narcan) and informational materials at the Gallatin County fairgrounds.

Sherry Broderick, representing the health department, described recent outreach tied to “Save A Life Day” and said the department wants to make Narcan readily available in high-traffic areas. “Inside the blue boxes are Narcan,” Broderick said, noting the boxes also include information on how to use the medication.

Members asked whether the fairgrounds’ hours or closures at dusk could limit access or inadvertently draw activity to the site. The presiding officer said he was concerned about accessibility when the park is closed; other members suggested placing the box under a shelter to protect it from weather and reduce visibility concerns.

Magistrate Moore moved to give the health department permission to place the box at the fairgrounds; Magistrate Chico seconded the motion. The court approved the motion by voice vote; the presiding officer said the health department was clear to proceed.

Broderick told the court the program builds on local outreach and that similar boxes are already installed at eight locations in the county. The court’s action authorizes placement at the fairgrounds; details such as exact location, hours of access, and maintenance plans were not specified during the meeting.

The court did not set a follow-up reporting requirement at the meeting; Broderick and county staff indicated they would coordinate logistics outside the meeting.