Sonoma County has launched a new health program that uses vending machines to make free essential products available for those who need them.
The “Health To Go” vending machines will include 10 products, including Narcan, fentanyl test strips, condoms, pregnancy and COVID tests, and cable gun locks. There will also be hygiene and dental hygiene kits, along with feminine hygiene products, according to a news release from the county.
The program includes an initial launch phase with three vending machines installed at the Russian River Health and Wellness Center in Guerneville, Santa Rosa Junior College, and the county’s public health offices on Aviation Boulevard in Santa Rosa. That machine will soon be moved to a location in the north county area, with plans to install four additional machines around the county as the program rolls out, according to the news release.
Public Health Division Director Amy Olson said in a statement that the vending machines are meant to fill gaps in county health services, make essential products more available and affordable, and enhance privacy.
“By strategically placing these vending machines, stocked with harm-reduction products, health and hygiene items, and other essential resources, we can better support those who need these free resources the most,” Olson said. “We will also refine the products offered over time based on what people actually use, ensuring that the items in the machines meet the actual needs of the community.”
The products are available free of charge, but the machines will ask shoppers a series of anonymous demographic questions and will limit each transaction to three products.
Board of Supervisors chair Supervisor Lynda Hopkins said the county had an obligation to do all it could to prevent overdose deaths.
“Given the recent tragic deaths of teenagers in our community from fentanyl poisoning, I am relieved that lifesaving tools like Narcan and fentanyl strips will be made available through the Health To Go vending machines,” Hopkins said.