Vending machine providing free birth control and overdose prevention products debuts in Brooklyn

[bnew]

Public health vending machine in Brooklyn dispensed 100 Narcan kits in 1st week, officials say

The city says additional health vending machines will be available in the next year.

www.cbsnews.com

Public health vending machine in Brooklyn dispensed 100 Narcan kits in 1st week, officials say​

BY CBS NEW YORK TEAM
UPDATED ON: JUNE 19, 2023 / 8:21 PM / CBS NEW YORK



NEW YORK -- New York City's first public health vending machine is already making a difference, officials say.

The machine opened two weeks ago on the corner of Broadway and Decatur street in Ocean Hill, Brooklyn. It dispenses critical medical supplies for free.

• Read more: New York City's first public health vending machine in Brooklyn stocked with free Naloxone, fentanyl test strips

In the first week, 100 kits of Narcan, the drug used to reverse an opioid overdose, were distributed.

"We all know people who would be alive today if a machine like this had existed. Whether we're working with someone who winds up dying of an infection because they couldn't access free wound care to someone who overdoses because they couldn't get free, easy access to Narcan," said Rebecca Linn-Walton, chief strategy officer for Services for the Underserved.

The machine is restocked daily. The city says additional health vending machines will be available in the next year.

 

[bnew]

@jilla82

mike pence wasn't "accepting" of drug users and refused to implement a needle exchange program that the public demanded and legislators wanted. pence's choice to not help lead to HIV outbreak in the state. treating addiction as a crime instead of a health crisis never helped any population.

Indiana governor overrides law to authorize needle exchange

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Gov. Mike Pence overrode state law and his own anti-drug policies Thursday to authorize a short-term needle-exchange program designed to help contain HIV infections in a rural county where more than six dozen cases have been reported, all of them tied to intravenous drug

apnews.com

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence overrode state law and his own anti-drug policies Thursday to authorize a short-term needle-exchange program designed to help contain HIV infections in a rural county where more than six dozen cases have been reported, all of them tied to intravenous drug use.

Pence issued an executive order declaring a public health emergency in Scott County, an economically depressed area about 30 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky, that has seen 79 new infections since December. The county typically sees only about five HIV cases each year, health officials said.

All of those infected either live in Scott County or have ties to the county, and all of the infections have been linked to needle sharing among drug users.

Most of the infections involve people who injected a liquefied form of the prescription painkiller Opana. Methamphetamine and heroin account for the remaining cases, health officials said.

Pence, a Republican, said officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who arrived in the county Monday said it would be “medically appropriate” to authorize some type of needle-exchange program to help stem the infections.

 

[Amestafuu (Emeritus)]

closest city with a major drug problem...
I could have said San Francisco (they already have the machines) but its far away

NYC seems to be moving in the direction of San Fran culturally

That started in Vancouver and it works. Only weirdos have a problem with giving junkies clean needles n condoms.

In some cities they even have clean dope and supervised injections. It's that or collect the bodies fent drops which is many. Opiate junkies don't live long.

 

[jilla82]

@jilla82

mike pence wasn't "accepting" of drug users and refused to implement a needle exchange program that the public demanded and legislators wanted. pence's choice to not help lead to HIV outbreak in the state. treating addiction as a crime instead of a health crisis never helped any population.

Indiana governor overrides law to authorize needle exchange

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Gov. Mike Pence overrode state law and his own anti-drug policies Thursday to authorize a short-term needle-exchange program designed to help contain HIV infections in a rural county where more than six dozen cases have been reported, all of them tied to intravenous drug

apnews.com

idgaf about a Pence

yall really think im a Republican huh?

if this board was dikk riding Republicans I would be arguing for the left

people need to be honest instead of choosing an political gang/ideology

 

[bnew]

idgaf about a Pence

yall really think im a Republican huh?

if this board was dikk riding Republicans I would be arguing for the left

people need to be honest instead of choosing an political gang/ideology

I'm talking about policy not party lines or ideology

comment on the policy.

 

[bnew]

https://wgno.com/news/a-harm-reduction-vending-machine-is-now-available-to-nela-residents/

A “Harm Reduction” vending machine is now available to NELA residents​

by: Kevin Dudley, Jr.
Posted: Aug 11, 2023 / 05:00 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 11, 2023 / 03:18 PM CDT
MONROE, La. (KTVE/KARD) — On Thursday, August 10, 2023, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a “Harm Reduction” vending machine took place at Northeast Delta Human Service Authority. According to officials, the vending machine will assist residents who are struggling with addiction or have loved ones who are struggling with addiction.
The machine is the first of its kind in the State of Louisiana, and it provides the following items:

• Narcan cleaning kits
• Drug disposal kits
• Hygiene kits
• HIV testings
• Fentanyl testings
• Safe sex kits
• Pregnancy tests
• Wound care kits

According to reports, the items are available to residents at no cost and residents’ identities will remain anonymous.

This is a tool to empower individuals to regain control of their substance use or misuse, and hopefully begin taking those steps to recovery.
DERON TALLEY, PUBLIC INFORMATION DIRECTOR OF NORTHEAST DELTA HUMAN SERVICES AUTHORITY

The machine is located at 722 Adams Street in Monroe, La., and is available from 8 AM to 3 PM from Monday through Friday. Residents will have unlimited access to the machine and personal code will be provided.

 

[bnew]

Pillar unveils new harm reduction vending machines

While most vending machines are normally stocked with snacks and sweets, this machine will be fully equipped with supplies meant to help the community.

www.kgns.tv

Pillar unveils new harm reduction vending machines​

By Justin Reyes
Published: Jun. 27, 2023 at 6:48 PM EDT

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - A non-profit organization that has been known as a Pillar in helping others who are struggling with hardships or substance abuse is rolling out a new type of machinery to help our community.

As part of Pillar’s Positive Affirmation at Work, or PAW program, the center unveiled its new harm reduction vending machine to help protect our community.

While most vending machines are normally stocked with snacks and sweets, this machine will be fully equipped with harm reduction supplies such as Narcan, safe sex kits, safe smoke kits and hygiene supplies.

Alexa Huerta, the project PAW director encourages members of the community to take advantage of the vending machines.

“Any individual who is a client of project paw, they can enroll, it’s a quick and easy questionnaire, not really questions asked about their substance use, it’s really for us to give them the supplies needed,” said Huerta. “Once part of the program, we’ll be able to give them a personalized code, it could be as simple as 1-2-3-4 and they’ll have access to the vending machine 24/7 and we’ll be able to be able to assist with them whatever products they may need, they could go out and grab them at any time.”

Huerta goes on to say that they are working with the city on a designated station for the vending machine and they hope to have it finalized in August.

If they see these vending machines are a success, they will proceed with adding additional devices in the future.

 

[bnew]

---

Northeast Delta HSA unveils Harm-Reduction Vending Machines; effort to reduce drug overdose, misuse​

• AUGUST 10, 2023

MONROE, LA – Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NEDHSA) announces the launch of its innovative harm-reduction vending machines. These state-of-the-art machines are designed to provide critical resources and support to individuals at risk of substance abuse, promoting harm reduction and improving public health outcomes.

With the alarming rise in substance abuse and related health issues across the region, NEDHSA has taken a proactive approach to combat this crisis. The harm-reduction vending machines are an innovative solution to bridge the gap between vulnerable populations and the necessary resources to promote safer practices. By making essential harm-reduction tools readily available, NEDHSA aims to minimize the risks associated with substance abuse and promote a healthier community.

NEDHSA Executive Director Dr. Monteic A. Sizer said, “Our harm-reduction vending machines represent a critical step forward in addressing the challenges posed by substance abuse in our community.”

“We believe in meeting individuals where they are and providing them with the tools and resources they need to make healthier choices,” Dr. Sizer said.

“Through this innovative initiative, we hope to save lives, reduce harm, and create a pathway to recovery.”

The first vending machine placement will be in the Phoenix Peer Support Center at 722 Adams Street, Monroe, LA 71201. The items placed in the machine are Narcan, Deterra, Fentanyl test strips, Rapid HIV tests, Pregnancy tests, Safe Sex Kits, Needle Cleaning Kits, Hygiene Kits, Wound Care Kits, and Period Packs.

The placement of this vending machine is in line with regional, state, and national harm reduction models. The primary goal is to save lives and protect the health of people who use drugs and those they interact with regionally. In addition to preventing drug-related deaths, NEDHSA’s vending machine strategy will help facilitate access to healthcare, social services, and treatment.

There is no cost associated with accessing any of the products, and it is free and open to the public to use. Those who wish to utilize the machine will also be provided confidential 1:1 peer-to-peer support on using all items.

NEDHSA recognizes that addiction is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. These harm-reduction vending machines are just one component of a comprehensive strategy that includes counseling, education, and community outreach. By combining these efforts, NEDHSA aims to reduce the transmission of bloodborne infections, prevent overdose deaths, and foster a supportive environment for individuals seeking recovery.

Dr. Sizer added: “As I continue to say, our current drug and opioid crisis will only be mitigated when we learn how to effectively work across race, class, governmental silos, and political divisions. Additionally, various addictions will be mitigated once we develop enough compassion for those addicted and get them the evidence-based treatment they need, work to reduce those negative social determinants that drive their addiction, and help the people addicted to illicit substances find something to live for other than drugs. We intend to hold those addicted to substances accountable for their decisions and to help them heal through evidence-based strategies as well.”

For more information regarding the Harm Reduction Vending Machine and other harm reduction topics, contact Kara Etienne at kara.etienne@la.gov.

 

[bnew]

The Impact of Dispensing Naloxone at Public Health Vending Machines in Clark County, Nevada

americanhealth.jhu.edu

ADDICTION & OVERDOSE

The Impact of Dispensing Naloxone at Public Health Vending Machines in Clark County, Nevada​

June 20, 2023



In 2017, Trac-B Exchange (a syringe services program in Clark County, Nevada), along with local constituents, launched the first-in-the-nation public health vending machine program in response to rising rates of infectious diseases among people who inject drugs. In 2020, Dr. Sean Allen collaborated with them and the Southern Nevada Health District to examine the extent to which naloxone dispensation at vending machines was associated with changes in opioid-involved overdose deaths.

In the year following naloxone dispensation at public health vending machines there were 41 fewer opioid-involved overdose fatalities than predicted.

Lessons learned throughout the public health vending machine implementation in Clark County include:

1. Machines should be located where clients can easily access them. Housing them within agencies that provide services to people who use drugs could ensure easy access.
2. Agencies interested in implementing these machines should carefully consider the costs, including the cost of buying the machines, day-to-day operational costs, supplies and packaging materials, and insurance.
3. Conducting a needs assessment with potential clients before launching the machines may help inform where they should be located and the type and volume of supplies needed at each machine.
4. Communities could increase the machines’ use and access by talking with people who use drugs about what time(s) the machines should be accessible.
5. Finally, constituents should explore community readiness and assess if trainings about harm reduction services are needed.

This work was published in the Annals of Medicine Journal in September 2022.

Since then, Dr. Allen and Dr. Melissa Walls presented to the Bois Forte Reservation Tribal Council about the public health utility of vending machine implementation. Subsequently, the Council issued a resolution (No. 101-2022) by unanimous vote authorizing the implementation of public health vending machines on reservation lands – believed to be the first tribal resolution for vending in the country.

Drs. Sean Allen and Emily Haroz also worked with Bloomberg Fellows, Erin Russell, Zach Kosinski, Callie Kaplan, Nicole Barnes and Jessica Johnson, Health Educator from the Southern Nevada Health District, on a scoping review paper about implementation considerations for harm reduction vending machines, including maximizing accessibility up to 24 hours, 7 days a week, offering syringe disposal options, ensuring capability of data collection, and allowing for anonymity of use. This paper can be found here.

 

[FaTaL]

interesting