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A resolution commemorating the installation of the 400th ONEBox in Nashville and Davidson County and recognizing the history and growth of the ONEBox naloxone program.
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WHEREAS, opioid overdoses have taken a devastating toll on families and communities across the country, including here in Nashville and Davidson County; and
WHEREAS, naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose if administered in time; and
WHEREAS, placing naloxone in publicly accessible locations gives bystanders, employees, school staff, and community members the ability to respond quickly during an emergency; and
WHEREAS, ONEBox units are overdose emergency response kits that provide naloxone and clear instructions for use, helping people take immediate action while emergency responders are on the way; and
WHEREAS, Nashville’s ONEBox work began through the leadership of community partners who understood that overdose response tools are needed in the places where people live, work, gather, and visit; and
WHEREAS, in January 2023, Gibson Gives, through its Training and Empowering Musicians to Prevent Overdose (“TEMPO”) program, announced an effort to place ONEBox kits in live music venues throughout Nashville in partnership with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (“MNPD”) and overdose prevention partners; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Mike Hotz and MNPD played an important role in building relationships, educating partners, and helping install ONEBox units in locations where they could save lives; and
WHEREAS, following Sergeant Hotz’s promotion to Lieutenant, Sergeant Anthony Cucci helped carry the program forward by continuing the MNPD’s outreach, coordination, and installation support; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Brown, a retired critical care nurse serving as MNPD’s Specialized Investigations Division Overdose Prevention Specialist, has supported overdose response work by helping connect overdose survivors with treatment, recovery, and community resources; and
WHEREAS, Benton McDonough, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife, along with his team including Herschel French, Kelly Kaplan, and Kennetha Price helped move the program into more hospitality and entertainment venues by connecting the effort with business owners, operators, and venue leaders; and
WHEREAS, over time, ONEBox units were installed in bars, restaurants, music venues, sports venues, and other high-traffic community spaces; and
WHEREAS, Metro partners have reported that ONEBox units have been used in overdose emergencies and credited with helping save 18 lives in Davidson County; and
WHEREAS, the program later expanded to Metro Nashville Public Schools, beginning with an installation at McGavock High School and continuing with plans to place ONEBox units in school community spaces across the district with the support of Metro Nashville Public Health Department; and
WHEREAS, the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service recognized the collaboration between non-profits, community partners, and the Metropolitan Government with its 2025 “Project of the Year” Award; and
WHEREAS, the success of the ONEBox program reflects what Nashville does well: bringing together public safety, public health, schools, nonprofits, businesses, venues, and community leaders to meet an urgent need; and
WHEREAS, the installation of the 400th ONEBox on May 1, 2026, at Spring Hill Suites marks a major milestone in Nashville’s work to place life-saving overdose reversal medication closer to the people who may need it; and
WHEREAS, this milestone represents more than the number of boxes installed. It represents lives that may be saved, emergencies that may be met with action, and a city choosing preparation over indifference; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council wishes to recognize the many partners who helped make this work possible, including MNPD’s Lieutenant Mike Hotz, Sergeant Anthony Cucci, Overdose Prevention Specialist and retired Critical Care Nurse Barbara Brown, Trevor Henderson with the UT Smart Initiative, the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife, the Metropolitan Public Health Department, Metro Nashville Public Schools, TEMPO, the Drug Intervention Institute, hospitality and entertainment partners, and community advocates. Continued collaboration is critical to maintain existing ONEBox units, expand overdose prevention education, and ensure that naloxone remains accessible in public and high-traffic spaces throughout Nashville and Davidson County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as commemorating the installation of the 400th ONEBox and commending the public, private, nonprofit, school, public safety, public health, and community partners who have worked to achieve this milestone in Nashville’s overdose prevention and emergency response work.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.