Lorain County, Ohio: On May 8, 2025 Lorain County Public Health (LCPH) and Family Planning Services of Lorain County launched Lorain County’s first Harm Reduction Vending Machine at Family Planning Services, 602 Leona Rd., Elyria, OH 44035. This innovative, evidence-based strategy increases access to vital health resources by providing free and confidential supplies 24/7, similar to the convenience of snack vending machines.
The vending machine is stocked with a range of tailored supplies aimed at saving lives, preventing the spread of disease, and promoting overall well-being in Lorain County. These items include naloxone rescue kits (Narcan) to reverse opioid overdoses, fentanyl test strips to detect the presence of fentanyl, pregnancy tests, safe sex kits, sharps containers for safe needle disposal, first aid kits, period products, and resource guides with information on local support services.
“This vending machine provides crucial health supplies directly to our community members, offering naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses, condoms and sterile supplies to prevent disease transmission, safe disposal for used needles, basic first aid supplies, and pregnancy tests,” said Natalie Karn, supervisor at LCPH.
“We are hopeful that by increasing round-the-clock access to health resources, people will be empowered to visit the vending machine and use the items to make safer choices,” said Tammy Bertrand, executive director, Family Planning Services of Lorain County.
For more information on how LCPH serves and supports a healthy community, contact them at 440-322-6367 or visit LorainCountyHealth.com.