Covid-19 testing and overdose medications are also available from machines located in homeless shelters and other health centers.
Los Angeles County has installed 51 vending machines to provide free access to Covid-19 tests, condoms, overdose medications, fentanyl testing strips and more.
“Covid-19 self-test, naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and condoms allow individuals to take action that protects themselves and others in their community,” Health Director Barbara Feller said in a statement.
With free public health products available seven days a week through a self-service community health station, residents now have easy access to life-saving products.
The machines are located in easy-to-access locations to the public, including pharmacies, community health centers, temporary homeless shelters, and drug and alcohol treatment centers.
Users are asked to complete a short anonymous survey of basic demographic information before obtaining the product, but the investigation is optional, according to public health agencies.
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The machine was developed in collaboration with the Department of Public Health’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Control and the HIV and STD Programs department.
LA County will install 100 vending machines throughout the county, providing free access to low-income residents and homeless people with free access to condoms, Covid testing and more. LA County Public Health Division
Sonoma County residents now have access to drug overdose, condoms, dental hygiene kits, covid hygiene kits, women’s hygiene products, pregnancy tests, socks, cable gun locks, and more, according to the county.
“The project aims to bridge the current service gap by improving accessibility, reducing costs and ensuring privacy,” Sonoma County Director of Public Health Amy Olson said in April. “By strategically placing these vending machines with hazard reduction products, health and hygiene products and other important resources, we can best support those who need these free resources the most.”
Customers are limited to three items per transaction.
The county plans to refine its products over time based on what the public actually uses.
