In a move to address the ongoing public health crisis, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has introduced a new Public Health Harm Reduction (PHHR) Vending Machine, making harm reduction supplies more accessible to the community. This vending machine offers a variety of free products aimed at reducing the risks associated with drug use and sexual activity, and it is conveniently located in the lobby of the CCHHS Flagstaff office at 2625 N. King Street.
The vending machine comes as part of an innovative attempt to cut down on both overdose cases and the spread of infectious diseases. By offering services from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, excepting holidays, the machine ensures individuals have access to essential health items without the need of judgment or delay. Items distributed by the machine include fentanyl test kits, Xylazine test strips, NARCAN/Naloxone, firearm safety locks, safer sex kits, and multivitamins with folic acid, as per a recent announcement by CCHHS on their website.
For those concerned about opioid overdoses, NARCAN/Naloxone can also be obtained at several other locations within Coconino County, including Canyonlands Healthcare/Lake Powell Medical Center and Page Community Center. The operational hours of these centers have been shared to ensure that those in need are aware of when they can receive help.
Furthermore, a partnership with Northern Arizona Healthcare is anticipated to bring an additional harm-reduction vending machine to Flagstaff Medical Center. Comprehensive instructions accompany each product, with demonstration videos for the usage of some items available through the provided link. This assists individuals in correctly utilizing these harm reduction tools, contributing to safer outcomes and informed decisions.
