Wisconsin DHS allocates $55K for harm reduction vending machines

GREEN BAY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has revealed new funding aimed at harm reduction efforts across the state.

Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson, in a Thursday, June 29 press release, stated that the DHS will support strategies to diminish the detrimental effects of substance use.

The DHS is offering one-time funding of up to $55,000 to 28 local partners for the procurement and installation of public health vending machines, with an additional funding opportunity available. These vending machines may contain overdose prevention education, naloxone, fentanyl test strips and other related products.

Johnson said, "These machines act as a safe haven for people to obtain no-cost, stigma-free preventive health and wellness services. They provide discrete, confidential access to harm reduction tools. Most importantly, the tools in these vending machines can prevent overdoses and save lives."

For additional information on harm reduction, as well as free naloxone distribution and fentanyl test strips, individuals can visit the DHS website.