Self-Service

Columbus vending machine provides naloxone, health supplies

A vending machine in Columbus, Ohio is offering naloxone along with health and harm prevention supplies.

Image: Adobe Stock

March 25, 2024

A vending machine in Columbus, Ohio is offering naloxone along with health and harm prevention supplies, according to a report from 10tv.com.

Located at Community Medical Services, an opioid outpatient clinic on Dublin Road, contains items including naloxone, pregnancy tests, condoms and fentanyl testing strips, which are available free of charge, according to the report.

The machine was launched in partnership with Columbus Public Health in September 2023 and has distributed nearly 500 naloxone kits, more than 1,400 fentanyl testing strips, more than 1,200 condoms, and almost 300 pregnancy tests.

"You never know when you're gonna have the opportunity to save a life. Whether or not you have any involvement in drug use, a friend, a family member, but anybody can benefit from these tools," Jessie Jennings, community impact manager at Community Medical Services, said in the report. "Our vision is to lead the change to eliminate consequences of drug use in our communities."