Self-Service

Chicago considers expanding Narcan vending machines

Chicago is considering expansion of its Narcan vending machine program.

Image: Adobe Stock.

March 5, 2024

Chicago is considering expansion of its Narcan vending machine program, according to a report from blockclubchicago.org.

The program began with five machines last November, and the systems distribute drug testing kits, menstrual products, hygiene supplies, socks, underwear, and Narcan, according to the report, with an eye to harm reduction for those experiencing opioid addiction.

The systems have distributed 328 boxes of Narcan to date.

"It's putting resources around people clearly in need of harm reduction," Miao Jenny Hua, a medical director at the Chicago health department, said in the report. "It's also a signal more needs to be done to make these materials available."