In our ever-evolving society, harm reduction vending machines have emerged as examples of progress, offering real solutions to pressing public health challenges. Located throughout our community, these machines represent a shift in traditional approaches to substance use and public safety. They provide essential resources such as clean naloxone, and safe sex kits, and hygiene supplies.
Beyond just convenience, these vending machines represent a culture of care and empowerment, offering support to those navigating complex journeys of addiction and vulnerability. By embracing harm reduction vending machines, our community shows a commitment to dignity, health equity, and the belief that every individual deserves the tools to safeguard their well-being.
Quick Facts:
- Anyone can register to use the machines and all items are free!
- Registration is not automatic, so it does take up to 24 hours for us to input the information in the system for the person to access the machine.
- We are working on an emergency code for naloxone access, however the machines are not meant for emergency use.
- There are limits on the number of each item that can be taken out per week, per person but there are no limits on the amount of naloxone that can be taken out.
Items Available in the Machines:
- Naloxone
- Pregnancy Tests
- Portable sharps disposal containers (there is also a sharps disposal container attached to the side of each machine)
- Wound kits (Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, sterile water, alcohol swabs, and more)
- Safe sex kits
- Hygiene kits (soap, toothbrush/toothpaste, comb, and more)
- Fentanyl Testing strips
- Safe use kits (tourniquet, sterile water, sterile cookers, sterile pipe and mouth piece, sterile water, alcohol swabs, and more)
Machine Locations:
- Main Library Annex – 146 South Paint Street, Chillicothe 46501, West 5th Street Entrance
- Northside Library – 550 Buckeye Street, Chillicothe 45601, Rear of building under overhang
- Richmond Dale Library – 770 Main Street, Richmond Dale 46573, To the right of the front door
- Frankfort Library – 167 Springfield Street, Frankfort 45628, Left side of the building
- Kingston Library – 29 South Main Street, Kingston 45644, Right side of the building in the back
- Ross County Community Resource Center – 804 Eastern Ave. Chillicothe 46501
Registration Instructions:
- Scan the QR code with your smartphone and complete the survey or go to this link: https://173.249.143.194:8088/surveys/?s=FYC9DD84HDE9NY7J
- Write down and save the 4-digit code you chose for the survey
- Please allow for up to 24 hours for the code to be active
- Use your code to access the machine
Additional Resources
The Centers for Community Solutions has released the latest Harm Reduction Ohio Report.
It outlines the six pillars and eight foundational principles of harm reduction, emphasizing equity, community engagement, and nonjudgmental support. The report also covers the history of harm reduction in the U.S., particularly during the AIDS crisis, and explores harm reduction programs at federal, state, and local levels in Ohio, alongside nonprofit involvement.
