Yarmouth Select Board backs publicly accessible NaloxBoxes to expand naloxone access

The Yarmouth Select Board expressed strong support on July 7 for installing NaloxBoxes — publicly accessible opioid rescue kits that contain naloxone and basic first‑aid supplies — after a presentation explaining how the units work and data from other Cape communities.

Eliza Morrison, director of harm reduction services at the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod (speaker 16), described NaloxBoxes as “an accessible, anonymous, convenient way for people who may not otherwise have access to naloxone in their community, to get naloxone.” She said boxes are mounted like AEDs, contain multiple naloxone doses plus simple instructions, and can include QR codes linking to local resources and training.

Morrison presented usage data from across the Cape: since July 1, 2025, the naloxone distributed through NaloxBoxes totaled hundreds of doses and the organization received 126 reportbacks of nonfatal overdose reversals in the prior year by community members who administered naloxone. She said boxes are safe, simple (single-step nasal spray), and that many reversals require more than one dose.

Board members voiced support and asked staff to coordinate locations and training. Dr. Hillard Boskey of the Board of Health (speaker 24) urged clear, large‑font instructions for an older population, recommended short online demonstration videos, and offered to add demonstrations at Board of Health meetings. Town staff said opioid remediation funding could cover purchase and installation costs.

The board directed staff to approach town departments about hosting boxes in public buildings (library, recreation facilities, and administrative buildings) and to coordinate training for municipal employees and posted information on the town website with links to instructional materials. Select Board members emphasized that having naloxone accessible can save lives and creates opportunities to connect people to services.