SONOMA COUNTY, CA — After weeks of public backlash and emotional testimony, the Sebastopol City Council voted 4–0 Tuesday to allow installation of a Narcan distribution box outside the Sebastopol Library, reversing its earlier decision to block a similar proposal for downtown.
The box, a repurposed newspaper stand stocked with Narcan, will be installed and maintained by the nonprofit Micah's Hugs. The medication, also known as naloxone, can reverse fentanyl and opioid overdoses by restoring breathing when opioids slow or stop respiration. Anyone will be able to take the medication from the box at no cost, according to reports.
Councilmembers approved the location between the library and City Hall for a one-year trial after hearing testimony from 17 speakers who urged the city to expand public access to the life-saving drug, the Sebastopol Times reported.
The vote followed the council's Jan. 20 decision not to co-sponsor a Narcan box proposed for outside a Main Street business. That earlier vote drew criticism from residents and overdose prevention advocates, according to the Sebastopol Times.
Councilmembers had previously raised concerns about safety and liability, including whether children might access the medication and whether the city could face legal risk.
City Attorney Alex Mog said liability risk remains possible but low, and state law provides protections for people and organizations that distribute or administer naloxone in good faith.
After hearing the testimony, Councilmember Phill Carter said the discussion had changed his understanding of the medication."I should have done more research," Carter said at the city council meeting, according to the Sebastopol Times.
Under the council's decision, Micah's Hugs will supply and maintain the Narcan in the dispenser. City officials will review the program after the one-year trial period.
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