The Medina County Health Department and Hope Recovery Community have teamed up to install a vending machine stocked with free harm-reduction supplies, available 24/7.
Located at Hope Recovery’s Medina location (200 Highland Drive), the machine offers Narcan, hygiene kits, COVID-19 tests, and other items to help keep people safe. Organizers say it’s a judgment-free way for anyone to get resources without having to walk through the door, and it could be the first step for someone to connect with recovery support.
“We are excited that the vending machine is up and running,” said Stephanie Young, nursing program director at the Medina County Health Department. “It contains a variety of items to reduce the risk of overdose and communicable disease such as naloxone, first aid and hygiene kits, and information resource packets listing other services throughout the county. We kindly ask residents only take what they need and leave items for others.”
The goal of the vending machine is to reduce barriers and build bridges. “These items are designed to meet acute, short-term needs of residents with the goal of connecting them to more long-term resources. We will be placing a second vending machine in the county and are working with law enforcement and other community service partners to determine an appropriate, accessible location,” Young added.