Outside the ER entrances at two local hospitals, vending machines are quietly saving lives—one free product at a time.
In October 2023, Crawford County Public Health launched its Harm Reduction Vending Machine program in partnership with Avita Health System. The vending machines, located at 629 N. Sandusky Ave. in Bucyrus and 269 Portland Way S. in Galion, are stocked with free, no-questions-asked health supplies aimed at reducing overdoses and the spread of infectious diseases.
Stocked with Safety
Available 24/7 and reloaded at least twice a week—typically on Tuesdays and Fridays—these machines offer essential supplies such as:
- Narcan and Kloxxado (forms of naloxone that reverse opioid overdoses)
- Fentanyl test strips
- COVID-19 at-home test kits
- Male and female condoms
“These supplies aren’t just convenient; they’re lifesaving,” said Katie Rafeld of Crawford County Public Health. “Our goal is to make harm reduction accessible at any hour of the day or night.”
Proven Demand, Measurable Impact
Usage data from the machines reveals just how much the community relies on them. Since the program began:
- 2,009 boxes of Narcan have been distributed
- 1,380 boxes of Kloxxado
- 27,318 male condoms
- 1,796 female condoms
- 9,735 fentanyl test strips
- 7,778 COVID-19 test kits
All products are free to the public, made possible through grant funding that supports harm reduction strategies.
Community Outreach in Action
The vending machines reflect a broader mission to prevent overdoses and reduce the risk of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other public health threats. They are an innovative extension of the county’s commitment to promoting community health through accessibility, education, and compassion.
For more information or assistance, residents can call 419-562-8751 ext.1212 or email [email protected]. Details are also available online at www.crawfordhealth.org.
Photo: Creative Commons License
