Hardware

New Jersey county launches first harm reduction vending machine

Image: Adobe stock

August 4, 2026

Summarize with

Ocean County, New Jersey's first harm reduction vending machine is now operating outside the Suburban Health Clinic in Toms River, offering free, anonymous, 24/7 access to overdose-prevention and harm-reduction supplies, according to an Insider NJ report. The machine, a partnership between Prevention Resource Network and Suburban Health Clinic, dispenses items including naloxone, sterile syringes, safer smoking kits, wound care supplies, adulterant test strips, condoms and sharps containers. A syringe disposal kiosk has also been installed at the site.

Organizers said the machine demonstrated immediate demand after its July 20 soft launch, distributing 110 syringes, 39 safer smoking kits and eight wound care kits during its first week, along with naloxone and other supplies. The installation complements Prevention Resource Network's weekly outreach services and extends access beyond scheduled operating hours.

The project builds on the success of a similar harm reduction vending machine launched in Asbury Park in 2025, which distributed more than 50,000 supplies through June 2026. Officials from both organizations said the machines help prevent overdoses, reduce the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C, and connect individuals with treatment, counseling and other healthcare services while supporting a harm reduction approach to substance use disorder.