Health department offers naloxone ‘1 box’ program, commissioners agree to host one in county building

Taylor Cook, who said she works in the opioid and overdose prevention program at the Southeastern Utah Health Department, told the Emery County Commission the department is seeking local support to distribute naloxone “1 box” emergency kits around the county.

“We ordered 24 of them,” Cook said, describing the boxes as opioid naloxone emergency kits that hang next to AEDs and contain two naloxone doses, basic PPE and audio/video instructions (including a Spanish-language option). She said the health department would pay for, maintain and restock the boxes and offer training: “Michelle does a super in-depth Narcan training for groups of people, businesses, employees…,” Cook said.

Sheriff’s Office representatives said they had worked with health staff on harm-reduction efforts and described the proposal as useful while also raising concerns about potential misuse. One speaker summarized their view of the health staff: “I think these gals that are here would do anything to help with harm reduction,” and added that the department had listened to law-enforcement concerns while refining its approach.

An emergency responder noted that kits could buy time before first responders arrive on long rural calls: “Having that there is just a step ahead,” the speaker said.

Health staff said the first round of boxes would be prioritized for high-traffic public venues such as event centers, softball fields and rodeo grounds, and that additional boxes could be procured later if demand grows. Cook said sticker labeling and other final details remained pending, but that the department hoped to distribute the initial set by the end of the year.

Commissioners agreed to allow the health department to place one box in the county administration building and signaled general support for the broader program. The meeting did not include a formal vote to fund the boxes; Cook said the health department would cover purchase and upkeep and noted possible supplemental funding sources such as opioid settlement funds or local grants.

Next steps: health department staff will finalize placement, labeling and maintenance procedures and continue outreach to priority venues across Emery County.