Bringing Harm Reduction Vending Machines to Rural Areas: Perspective From One Sheriff’s Office

Harm reduction vending machines are an evidence-based strategy to provide essential harm reduction supplies. Similar to food or beverage vending machines, harm reduction vending machines can be placed and utilized to meet specific access disparities.  Vending machines stocked with supplies such as sterile injection equipment, condoms, sharps containers, first aid kits, naloxone, and pregnancy tests play an especially important role in rural communities. Amid the opioid addiction and overdose crisis, harm reduction vending machines have the potential to expand access to life-saving materials and reduce overdose morbidity and mortality.

In this webinar, hosted by Washington State University, participants will:

• Understand the funding, timeline, and support necessary to implement a harm reduction vending machine in Clackamas County.
• Learn what, how, and where to source materials.
• Become aware of logistical elements to consider prior to implementation including data collection, potential theft, and machine maintenance.