Just outside the emergency room entrances at Avita Health System’s hospitals in Bucyrus and Galion, two vending machines are quietly providing potentially lifesaving supplies. Installed through a partnership between Crawford County Public Health and Avita Health System, the harm reduction vending machines make free health and safety products available around the clock. No appointment is required, and people can obtain what they need without entering the hospital or speaking with a staff member.
The machines were installed several years ago using grant funding. Crawford County Public Health restocks them weekly and tracks which supplies are being distributed, and the numbers recorded so far in 2026 suggest that county residents are making substantial use of the service.
Thousands of Supplies Distributed
During 2026, the two machines have distributed:
- 452 boxes of Narcan
- 23 boxes of Kloxxado
- 472 internal condoms
- 8,586 external condoms
- 490 fentanyl test strips
- 145 xylazine test strips
- 141 Deterra drug disposal pouches
- 281 personal hygiene kits
Narcan and Kloxxado contain naloxone, a medication used to reverse an opioid overdose. Fentanyl and xylazine test strips can help people identify potentially dangerous substances before use, while Deterra pouches provide a way to dispose of unused prescription medications. The machines also contain condoms and personal hygiene supplies intended to reduce the spread of HIV, hepatitis C and other diseases while addressing basic health needs.
For Crawford County Public Health, the distribution totals point to more than demand for individual products. They also indicate that residents are willing to use a service that is free, accessible and discreet.
“People are responding to a safe and discreet way to access harm reduction items,” the agency said.
Access at Two Hospital Campuses
The Bucyrus vending machine is located outside the emergency room entrance at Bucyrus Community Hospital, 629 N. Sandusky Avenue. The Galion machine is outside the emergency room entrance at Galion Community Hospital, 269 Portland Way South. Both locations are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Placing the machines near emergency departments gives residents access at recognizable health care locations while avoiding many of the barriers that can prevent someone from seeking assistance. Transportation, cost, scheduling and concerns about stigma can all make it more difficult to obtain overdose prevention or disease prevention supplies through traditional channels. A vending machine cannot replace medical treatment, counseling or emergency care. It can, however, put naloxone, testing supplies and other protective products into someone’s hands at the moment they are needed.
Spreading the Word
Crawford County Public Health is asking residents and community organizations to share information about the machines so more people know the supplies are available. The service is intended not only for people who use drugs, but also for family members, friends and others who may encounter an overdose. Having naloxone nearby can provide an important opportunity to respond while emergency assistance is on the way. Additional information is available from Crawford County Public Health at 419-562-8751, extension 1212, or through the agency’s website.