Self-Service

California hospital intros harm reduction machine

Image: Adobe Stock

November 28, 2023

Highland Hospital in Oakland, California, has introduced a harm reduction machine to help prevent the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C, according to a report in The Oaklandside. The machine has been installed by the HIV Education and Prevention Project of Alameda County and offers fentanyl test strips, tampons, condoms, hygiene kits and socks.

The machine has a barcode that connects users to the organization's website, which includes information on the hospital's prevention program, which includes counseling and medication to treat methamphetamine, opioid and alcohol addiction.

The machine is located in the hospital's regular vending machine bank, which includes snack and beverage machines.

Funds came from the state health department, which received funding from a state harm reduction initiative.