Two public health vending machines unveiled in Outagamie County provide free health resources and overdose death prevention items, March 27, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
GRAND CHUTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Vending machines are typically full of drinks and snacks, but in Outagamie County, new machines are stocked with items designed to save lives.
Officials with the Grand Chute Police Department (GCPD) and Outagamie County Public Health held a news conference Wednesday to show off the first public health vending machine in the Tri-County area.
With the push of a button, community members can access things like period products, hygiene kits, condoms, medication disposal bags and tick-borne disease prevention products.
Additionally, in an effort to reduce the harmful impact of opioids in the area, nasal Narcan and fentanyl test strips will also be available. All items inside the vending machine are free to the community.
“While the opioid epidemic represents a crisis of national proportions, it is unquestionably felt at the local and state levels as well,” said GCPD Chief Greg Peterson. “However, in recent years, we’ve come to realize that we are not going to arrest our way out of this problem. The serious nature of the situation we find ourselves in demands that we explore other alternatives.”
One vending machine is located at the Grand Chute Police Department and another at the Outagamie County Government Center. Both agencies received grants from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services last year to fund the purchase, installation and operation of the machines.
The goal is to give people access to items that will help create a stronger and healthier community for residents.
“If you are a friend, neighbor or a family member of someone who is struggling with addiction, you can now do something to prevent an overdose death,” said Outagamie County Public Health Officer Natalie Vandeveld.
She said officials hope to grow the initiative and make these vending machines available throughout the county.
“It’s not enabling anyone to use drugs,” said Cassy Stefl, a community health educator with Outagamie County Public Health. “It’s really just here for a life-saving purpose. We can’t help people find recovery if they’re not here with us.”
Machines will be operational by the end of the day Wednesday.
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