JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – During Tuesday’s Jackson City Council meeting, leaders discussed several topics, including flood ordinance updates, public safety and education. They also discussed expanding access to Narcan, which is a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.

The City Council approved a partnership with the United Way of the Capital Area to install a Narcan distribution box inside the Warren Hood Building. This is part of a broader push to combat rising overdose deaths in Jackson.

“It’s so important that we continue to make sure every Jacksonian understands the power of Narcan, because unless the Jackson residents are alive, we cannot get them into recovery,” said Jason McCarty, program development strategist for the United Way of the Capital Area.

Councilman Kevin Parkinson, Ward 7, urged residents to treat Narcan like any other emergency tool.

McCarty said Narcan is free and available to residents through the United Way’s website. He said administering Narcan is protected under Mississippi’s Good Samaritan Law.

“If you’re seeing someone experiencing an overdose in the street, in your home or at a store, you happen to have Narcan on you, please administer it. It will not hurt them. It can only help save their lives,” McCarty stated.

City officials proclaimed September 25, 2025, as “Save a Life Day,” encouraging residents to participate in overdose prevention efforts.