Key Takeaways
• Free Health To Go vending machines offer naloxone, hygiene kits, test strips, and more
• Machines are in Reading YMCA and outside UPMC Harrisburg Emergency Department
• Users get supplies anonymously, 24/7, without facing stigma
• Over 11,000 items dispensed in a year, including 1,900 naloxone doses
• Two more machines will arrive in central Pennsylvania soon
Why these machines matter
Across Pennsylvania, overdose deaths rose during the pandemic. Yet, many people found it hard to get life-saving supplies or basic hygiene items. A Health To Go vending machine changes that. Instead of chips or soda, these machines dispense free naloxone spray, wound care kits, socks, soap, and test strips. Moreover, they list local resources like mental health care and housing help on a touchscreen. This approach removes cost and judgment barriers for people in need.
How the Health To Go vending machine Works
The Health To Go vending machine uses WiFi and cellular data to run a large touch screen. First, users pick what they need. Then they sign in with an anonymous username made of their birth year, a color, and an icon. Next, supplies drop down without anyone watching. Finally, users can scan a QR code to learn more about local support services. Meanwhile, the machine gathers anonymous data to improve offerings and reduce stigma.
What’s inside each machine
The Health To Go vending machine offers:
• Naloxone nasal spray to reverse opioid overdoses
• Fentanyl test strips to check drug safety
• Syringes and wound care kits for safe injecting and wound cleaning
• Hygiene kits with toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, soap, comb, nail clippers, mouthwash, ChapStick, and towel
• Safer sex kits with condoms and pregnancy tests
• Information on food banks, shelters, and treatment programs
Why users prefer vending machines
Many people with substance use disorder feel shame when they ask for help. Yet, they need tools to stay safe and healthy. Therefore, the Health To Go vending machine offers a judgment-free way to get supplies. For example, no one watches you pick a toothbrush or a naloxone kit. Also, the machine works all day and night. As one user said, “I didn’t have any money or a place to live. This machine gave me clean socks and a wound kit with no questions.”
Impact so far
Since launch, the Health To Go vending machine in Reading and Harrisburg has given out over 11,000 items. The most popular are hygiene kits, with more than 3,300 dispensed. Naloxone spray came next, with nearly 1,900 doses delivered. Wound care and safer sex kits follow closely behind. More than 2,300 users registered an account this year. Among them, 40 percent said they are unemployed, and almost 25 percent face housing insecurity. In addition, over 80 percent struggle to pay for basic needs.
Normalizing harm reduction
By mixing naloxone and hygiene products, the Health To Go vending machine treats all needs equally. It sends a clear message that caring for your health is normal. This approach also helps reduce stigma around addiction. Users can watch quick videos on how to use fentanyl test strips or hear recovery stories right on the touchscreen. As a result, people learn skills to protect themselves and peers.
User stories
One vending machine user shared, “I was nervous at first. But the machine is easy to use. No one judges you.” Another added, “I got naloxone here and saved my friend from overdosing. I feel grateful.” Teenagers at risk spoke about testing drugs with strips they got for free. They said the vending machine helped them avoid harm when help was too far away.
Future of the program
Funded by grants and local settlement funds, the Health To Go vending machine project plans two more machines in central Pennsylvania by next year. These additions will serve more communities where people lack access to harm-reduction tools. In turn, the team hopes to cut overdose deaths further and improve health outcomes. In addition, they will keep collecting anonymous feedback to refine the machines.
Breaking barriers to care
Traditional clinics often have limited hours and may feel unwelcoming. However, the Health To Go vending machine works around the clock and offers supplies without human interaction. Therefore, it meets people where they are, physically and emotionally. By removing cost, time, and stigma barriers, it reaches individuals who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
Looking ahead
As overdose rates change, so do community needs. Consequently, the Health To Go vending machine team reviews data monthly. They ask users what items they want and what resources they need. In this way, each machine evolves to provide the most helpful products and information. Ultimately, the goal is clear: save lives, support recovery, and strengthen local health networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use the machine without revealing my identity?
You create a username using your birth year, a color, and an icon. This keeps your identity private while allowing you to track your orders.
Can anyone access these supplies?
Yes. Supplies are free and available 24/7. No ID or insurance is needed. You just need to sign in with your anonymous username.
What if I need help beyond supplies?
The touchscreen lists hotlines, local treatment centers, food banks, and housing programs. You can also scan a QR code for more details.
Will more machines appear in other states?
For now, the focus is central Pennsylvania. However, other regions are watching this model and may adopt similar vending machines soon.