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The city public health department launched its Narcan vending machine at the Corrine Reid Owens Transit Center in December 2023. |
RACINE — The city’s Public Health Department will install two new vending machines to provide free health supplies.
The Common Council on Tuesday approved the acceptance of a $150,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for the machines.
The city will install one machine at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., and one at the Dr. John Bryant Community Center, 601 Caron Butler Drive, according to Public Health Administrator Dottie-Kay Bowersox.
Bowersox said the vending machines will include Narcan, fentanyl testing strips, condoms, and hygiene products such as toothpaste and toothbrushes.
The city launched a free vending machine providing Narcan and other harm reduction supplies in December 2023 at the Corrine Reid Owens Transit Center, 1409 State St.
Bowersox said the Narcan vending machine has received significant use and is restocked on a regular basis.
“It’s been … a very popular means for individuals to get their Narcan and their fentanyl strips,” she said.
Bowersox said the city just placed the order for the vending machines and doesn’t know when they will be installed, but she expects they will be operational in the coming months.
The health department also provides syringe access, Narcan and fentanyl strips at its office in the lower level of City Hall, 730 Washington Ave., according to Bowersox.
The vending machines, however, can provide a more convenient option for people who need supplies, she said.
“We urge individuals that need these items, that would utilize these items, as well as their family and friends, to engage and make sure that they have these items in case they’re necessary,” Bowersox said.
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