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Health department proposes public naloxone '1 box' stations across Emery County
Summary
Southeastern Utah Health Department staff asked the Emery County Commission to support placing 24 publicly accessible naloxone "1 box" emergency kits around the county, with on‑box instructions and maintenance provided by the health department; commissioners signaled informal approval and law enforcement supported the lifesaving potential while noting concerns about misuse.
Taylor Cook, who identified herself as a staffer in the opioid and overdose prevention program at the Southeastern Utah Health Department, told the Emery County Commission on Tuesday that the department has ordered 24 publicly accessible "1 box" naloxone kits and wants local permission to place them in high‑traffic county locations.
Cook described the boxes as small emergency cabinets meant to be mounted next to automated external defibrillators and stocked with two doses of naloxone, basic personal protective equipment and step‑by‑step instructions. "It's an opioid naloxone emergency box," she said. "It comes with two doses of naloxone and little PPE kits — a CPR mask, gloves and wipes — and it tells people to call 911." The health department will pay for the initial units and perform maintenance, Cook added.
The request grew out of the department's harm‑reduction work, Cook said, which includes syringe‑service supports, wound care kits and rapid referrals to treatment. Michelle Ward, who runs the program, and Cook said the boxes include short training modules and that the department can provide in‑depth Narcan training for staff at businesses or public facilities that host a box.
Commissioners and law enforcement asked how the department would prioritize placement and pay for more units if demand grows. Cook said distribution would target locations with large public gatherings — rodeo grounds, event centers, school athletic fields and the county administration building — and that opioid‑settlement funds and other grants could be used to buy additional cabinets.
Sheriff (unnamed) spoke in support of local access while acknowledging broader concerns. "I think these gals take this very seriously," he said, calling the cabinets "a good thing" for quick response in remote areas. Another officer noted the boxes have saved lives in other jurisdictions: "I can attest to actually saving quite a few lives with Narcan," he said.
Commissioner comments ranged from wholehearted support to cautious questions about public education and unintended consequences. One commissioner said the county could host an initial box in the administration building and then evaluate. Commissioners indicated the health department should proceed with distribution logistics and outreach; there was no formal ordinance or vote recorded specifically approving the installations during this meeting.
The county accepted the health department's offer to maintain the devices and to track use and battery life; when a kit is used, the health department will replenish it at no charge, staff said. The department estimated the initial 24 units could be distributed by the end of the year if local hosts are secured.
Next steps: the health department will finalize stickers and signage for the cabinets, continue outreach to potential hosts and provide the commission and county staff with a distribution list and maintenance plan.
