Launchpad seeks city OK to place free Narcan box in Miller Plaza to expand 24-hour access

The Launchpad asked Chattanooga City Council on March 10 to permit a repurposed newspaper-box dispenser in Miller Plaza that would provide free naloxone, the opioid-overdose reversal medication commonly sold under the brand name Narcan.

"There's really no place for anyone to receive free Narcan and it does save lives," said Scotty Bowman, founder and CEO of the Launchpad, introducing the group and the proposal. He told council members the organization prefers Miller Plaza because of shade and central location and described an early plan to distribute medication round-the-clock.

Kelly Cruz, the Launchpad's clinical director, told council the Launchpad currently houses 52 women in early recovery and has been working with the county and local partners on logistics. She said the group has applied for a Hamilton County grant (an award decision is expected in May) and that, with grant support, the group anticipates the box could dispense about "10 kits a day" and would be monitored and restocked at least three times weekly by Launchpad staff and residents.

"We would be checking the box at least three times a week to make sure that it's stocked and that the medication is still safe," Cruz said, noting the medication is sensitive to heat and that the group selected a shaded location for that reason. She also said the Times Free Press agreed to donate an old newspaper box to be refurbished and painted by a local artist.

Council members asked technical and operational questions. Councilman Harvey, who identified himself as a nurse, asked whether the product would be the nasal spray formulation; Cruz confirmed it would be a nasal naloxone product and that the Launchpad expects to label the box clearly using the name "Narcan" where helpful for public recognition. Vice Chairwoman Null asked about youth access and potential resale; Launchpad staff said they had discussed the risks, view the public‑health benefit as outweighing potential misuse, and would increase monitoring if the supply disappears quickly.

Councilwoman Dotley and others offered operational help: Dotley asked the Launchpad to share press material with the council clerk so city channels could amplify outreach; Burr and other members volunteered to assist with publicity and community notification. Several members praised the group's goal of expanding access without a formal action at the meeting.

No formal council vote or permit was taken that evening. The presentation was recorded for the council's agenda packet and staff were asked to coordinate next steps and any required permissions with the Launchpad, public works, and council offices.

Why this matters: Naloxone is a time-sensitive, life-saving medication; creating low-barrier, 24-hour distribution points could increase the chance that a bystander has the drug when an overdose occurs. The Launchpad proposal ties operational commitments (check-and-restock schedule), a pending county grant, and community outreach to the request to site a box on public property. Next steps include staff review of permitting needs and the county grant decision in May.

Ending: The council did not vote on the request at the March 10 meeting; officials and Launchpad representatives said they will return with any additional materials and that the group will work with city staff on logistics and messaging in the meantime.