Cleveland-based MetroHealth Medical Center recently installed a vending machine with naloxone — an opioid overdose antidote — condoms, wound care kits, fentanyl test strip kits and sharps containers.
The vending machine, one of five in Cleveland, is accessible 24 hours a day, according to a Jan. 17 MetroHealth news release. Individuals can take supplies once a week, free of charge, using a QR code.
"Harm reduction efforts, like public access to naloxone in vending machines and emergency access naloxone cabinets, save lives. The Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board doesn't condone drug use, but we want to make sure people are alive to get the help they need," Scott Osiecki, CEO of the ADAMHS board, said in the release.
The machine was purchased with a $1.1 million state grant. It is one of nearly 450 emergency access naloxone cabinets being installed in public places. MetroHealth has contracted with the ADAMHS board to install, track and monitor the use of the vending machines, the release said.