DC rolls out harm-reduction vending machines
WASHINGTON - D.C. Health rolled out a new harm reduction vending machine pilot project Tuesday. The machines offer several self-care products, ranging from hygiene and wellness to lifesaving tools for opioid overdose prevention.
"Harm reduction vending machines will provide access to Narcan, fentanyl test strips, personal biohazard disposable containers, hygiene kits, wound care kits, COVID test kits, male and female condoms, and later during implantation HIV home test kits," said Angela Woods Chief Operating Officer with Family and Medical Counseling Services.
In October 2021, D.C. Health awarded grants to two community partners, Family and Medical Counseling Services and HIPS, to spearhead the harm-reduction vending machines pilot program in D.C.
The agency says four of the six vending machines have already been placed in locations that ensure they can be accessed safely at any time of day.
In cooperation with D.C. Fire & EMS, three of the vending machines have been placed outside various firehouses in the District.
All machines have been strategically placed in areas with higher than average rates of drug overdose and unhoused populations.
The pilot program is geared toward evaluating the positive impact these products have on the wellbeing of vulnerable residents, including the homeless, who are at risk of drug overdoses and diseases.
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These machines will be available to the public on Monday, April 10.
The machines can be found at:
- Engine #7: 1101 Half St. SW, Washington, DC 20024
- Engine #33: 101 Atlantic St. SE, Washington, DC 20032
- Engine #27: 4260 Minnesota Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20019
- Whitman Walker Health Center: 2301 Martin Luther King Jr Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20020