Phyllis and Kaitlin with our new naloxone vending machine at the Oneida Clinic
What an exciting day! We have officially set up our new naloxone vending machine outside our Oneida Clinic to make life saving medication easily available….and free! Naloxone is a medication in the form of a nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose; it is commonly sold or distributed as Narcan. The vending machine allows easy access to naloxone and other related items that can save lives, like fentanyl test strips. By placing the vending machine just outside our clinic doors, we ensure that it is available 24/7.
The vending machine is an important part of our harm reduction strategy to address the opioid epidemic. The term “harm reduction” refers to practices that reduce the negative impact of drug use. Access to naloxone, for example, makes it less likely that an individual will die of an overdose. Similarly, access to fentanyl test strips that can detect traces of the highly potent drug, helps users know more about what substances they are using.
There is a stigma around harm reduction materials. One of the key benefits of making naloxone available in a vending machine is the anonymity it provides as the machine doesn’t collect any identifiable information from those who use it. Vending machines can eliminate the need to obtain naloxone from a doctor or pharmacy which may be easier for those who are concerned they would be judged or labeled as an addict. As naloxone vending machines becoming more commonplace throughout the region we hope to reduce the stigma around harm reduction approaches.
For several years now, FCCS has been working to distribute naloxone and other harm reduction materials through our clinics, our mobile outreach team as well as community tabling events. The vending machine provides an additional strategy for after hours when our clinic is closed. We also recognize that some people will use the machine to obtain naloxone because they have a friend or family member who is involved in opioid use and want to be prepared for any emergency. It is our hope is that providing naloxone in such a convenient way at no cost will encourage all people, whether they personally use substances or not, to carry the life-saving drug.
Our new naloxone vending machine was funded through a NYS OASAS State Opioid Response (SOR) grant awarded to our regional network of behavioral health agencies serving the Mohawk Valley, Central NY and the Southern Tier. To date, the network has installed eight naloxone vending machines throughout the region.
Need training on how to administer naloxone? Watch this free 5-minute video produced by our SOR regional network partners.