Central Wisconsin Counties Using Vending Machines for Life Saving Items

Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 -- 2:00 PM

(Karen Madden, USA TODAY NETWORK - Wisconsin) While most people think of purchasing soda, candy bars and bags of chips from vending machines, new vending machines popping up across central Wisconsin are dispensing free lifesaving products and devices thanks to a state grant program.

According to Karen Madden with USA TODAY NETWORK - Wisconsin, after receiving a state grant last summer, Taylor County purchased and set up two machines in the county offering Narcan, which is used in emergencies to counteract narcotics during an overdose; fentanyl test strips, to identify the potent pain reliever that has been linked to many overdose deaths in the past several years; first-aid and CPR mask kits; gun locks; and bags to safely dispose of medications.

Taylor County Health Department officials say they are happily surprised with the results so far. Marathon, Portage and Wood counties will also be using grant money from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to purchase and set up vending machines offering Narcan, fentanyl test strips and other safety items.

Each county is in a different phase of the initial setup process. Taylor County distributed 21 boxes of Narcan from its vending machines in December, with each box containing two doses.

They dispensed nine boxes of fentanyl test strips, with 10 tests per box, seven medication disposal bags, five gun locks and 25 first-aid and CPR mask kits. The two machines are on the ground floor of the Taylor County Courthouse, 224 S. Second St., and in the lobby of the Taylor County Human Services Department, 540 E. College Ave., both in Medford.

Melissa Moore, Taylor County public health coordinator, said Taylor County was awarded a grant from the state to purchase the vending machines and the supplies to go in them. Harm reduction is part of the overall strategy of the machines, Moore said.

The vending machines are being filled about once a week, and people are happy the items are available, Moore said. The county didn't advertise the vending machines when they first were placed, so they were happily surprised with the results, she said.

"There is a stigma to addiction and to mental health issues," Moore said. "This is building those relationships we need to help." The vending machines can help make a positive change and get some people on the road to recovery, Moore said.

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