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Eagle Pass approves pilot to place free naloxone vending machine downtown
Summary
Council approved a pilot agreement with Corazon/Corason Ministries to place a free naloxone vending machine at a downtown city facility (former Fire Station One) to increase community access to opioid-overdose reversal medication; staff and the fire chief described low medical risk and nonprofit stocking/management.
EAGLE PASS, Texas — The City Council voted unanimously on May 19 to authorize a pilot program placing a free naloxone (Narcan) vending machine at a downtown city‑owned facility (former Fire Station One) in partnership with Corazon/Corason Ministries.
City staff explained the nonprofit would provide, stock and manage the vending machine and that the city’s role would be to provide the location and an electrical outlet. "Part of the strategy is to have that medication available — it's not a free permission to use, it's access to a life‑saving drug," staff told council, framing the pilot as a public health intervention.
The fire chief participated in the discussion and described naloxone as low‑risk when administered, saying it counteracts the effects of opioids and produced immediate reversal effects in demonstration scenarios. Council members asked about oversight, misuse concerns and whether the machine would attract people who use substances; staff and the chief said the medication’s purpose is to save lives and that bystanders or family members often obtain the drug to respond to overdoses.
Council unanimously authorized the city manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with the nonprofit for placement and operation of the vending machine and to begin the pilot.
What’s next: staff will finalize the site, logistical details and maintenance/stocking arrangements with the nonprofit and report usage and outcomes to council as the pilot proceeds.
