It's now very easy to access harm reduction, as a special vending machine has been launched. harm reduction supplies in Winnipeg’s north end with the launch of a special vending machine.
Stephanie Ens, executive director of NorWest CO-OP Community Health, stated that the machine was set up to provide necessary items without the need to ask.
NorWest, in partnership with REACH Nexus, has introduced "Our Healthbox" vending machine, which offers items such as clean needles, naloxone, hygiene products, smudging materials, snacks, water, and socks, all for free. Our Healthbox which dispenses supplies like clean needles and naloxone, general hygiene items, smudging materials, snacks, water and even socks — all for free.
Stephanie Ens mentioned that donations from various partnerships, community advisories, and a harm reduction committee contributed to the initiative.
REACH Nexus has installed six similar vending machines in Canada, including the one in Winnipeg's north end.
Users are required to anonymously answer a few questions before using the vending machine.
Sean Rourke, a scientist with MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, explained that the setup aims to understand people's needs and gather some information about them.
Rourke stated that these machines have relieved the burden on healthcare workers.
According to Rourke, the machines have allowed agencies to allocate more time and resources to other tasks, rather than just providing supplies.
A similar program was launched in Cincinnati, Ohio, three years ago.
Daniel Arendt, assistant professor of pharmacy practice at the University of Cincinnati, expressed that the program has been a valuable addition to the community.
Arendt pointed out that there is strong evidence suggesting that participants who utilize such programs are more likely to seek substance use treatment, stop injecting drugs, and reduce their risk of contracting blood borne pathogens. They are also more inclined to connect with other harm reduction services.
While NorWest CO-OP Community Health is the first location in Winnipeg to have such a machine, it's expected that more will follow.
Rourke mentioned that they plan to install 100 machines across Canada.
— with files from Global’s Teagan Rashe
