Government

Harm reduction machines debut in DC

Image: Adobe Stock.

April 24, 2023

DC Health, the Department of Behavioral Health and the DC Fire & Emergency Medical Services Department have partnered to introduce vending machines to offer wellness products, including Narcan, in fire stations and a health center, according to a press release.

In October of 2021, DC Health awarded grants to two community partners, Family and Medical Counseling Services and HIPS, to pilot the implementation of harm reduction vending machines in Washington, D.C.

Four of the six vending machines have already been placed in locations that ensure they can be accessed safely at any time of day.

In cooperation with the fire and EMS department, three of the vending machines have been placed outside firehouses. An additional machine has been placed at the Whitman Walker Health Center.

This pilot project will evaluate the utilization patterns and impact these products have on the wellbeing of the communities.