Harm reduction vending machines; Milwaukee County urges businesses to host
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee County leaders are encouraging businesses and organizations on Tuesday, Jan. 23 to apply to host a Harm Reduction Vending Machines.
Those machines provide free access to harm reduction and prevention supplies, including fentanyl test strips, nasal naloxone, medication deactivation pouches, medication lock bags and gun locks. Harm reduction is an evidence-based practice to prevent death for people who use drugs, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
"Making these harm reduction tools free and easily accessible have been life saving in our county," said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. "The tragic reality is that substance use touches everyone, regardless of age, race, gender, socioeconomic status and geography. An overdose can happen anywhere, so it is up to all of us. It's up to all of us to be a part of the solution."
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office said 600 people died from an overdose in 2023. Fentanyl played a factor in nearly 500 of those deaths.
"In the six months since those initial 11 vending machines were placed, members of our community have obtain close to 2,500 fentanyl test strips and 2100 naloxone boxes," said Dr. Ben Weston, Chief Health Policy Advisory for Milwaukee County.
The 11 initial vending machines were distributed to fire and health departments, to community centers, to medical clinics.
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"These are critical locations, but we know that overdoses can occur anywhere and to anyone. We see overdoses in hotels, in restaurants, in gas stations and other places of business as well," Dr. Weston said.
Dr. Ben Weston, Chief Health Policy Advisor for Milwaukee County
That is why officials are urging businesses or organizations to get involved – and host one of the harm reduction vending machines.
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"By having one in your business, you become a crucial part of addressing the pressing issue of substance abuse in Milwaukee," said Peggy Williams-Smith, VISIT Milwaukee. "Hosting a harm reduction vending machine empowers individuals struggling with addiction by providing them with access to essential resources without judgment."
Peggy Williams-Smith, VISIT Milwaukee
Official say with the harm reduction vending machines, they have disseminated more than 1,200 gun locks, 530 medication deactivation bags, more than 2,400 fentanyl test strips and more than 2,100 boxes of Narcan.
A news release says due to the success of the program, eight more vending machines will be placed in 2024. Find a Harm Reduction Vending Machine near you.