Health Hub vending machine installed at Abbotsford City Hall

Submitted by the Clark County Health Department

Within the last two years, a new and creative trend has been emerging across Wisconsin. Counties and other organizations have begun utilizing vending machines to provide no cost, helpful resources to community members. These vending machines are typically located in public areas and offer a variety of items, such as harm-reduction tools, hygiene kits, and other basic needs supplies. They also fill a gap in services for when staff are unable to provide in-person assistance.

In May of this year, Clark County’s Social Services Department and Clark County’s Health Department jointly submitted a grant application for one of these vending machines. Their request for the vending machine was approved, and the unit was paid for by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services-Division of Care and Treatment Services. The purpose of the grant is to help counties boost prevention efforts in response to the opioid epidemic—to reduce the number of opioid overdoses and ultimately save lives. Included within the grant terms, Clark County has agreed to provide a consistent supply of nasal Narcan spray as well as fentanyl test strips to the public.

The vending machine, which has officially been named the Clark County Health Hub, is located near the bathrooms within Abbotsford’s municipal building at 203 N. First Street. Abbotsford’s City Council approved the space for the placement of the unit at their April meeting. In addition to the opioid overdose- prevention supplies, the Health Hub also offers a consistent supply of harm-reduction items such as cable firearm locks, medication deactivation kits, medication lock bags, and disposable sharps boxes. The Clark County Health Department also utilized a portion of their remaining federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to purchase and stock the vending machine with items that promote health and well-being such as first aid kits, feminine period supplies, winter hats for babies and young children, hi-visibility walking vests for adults and children, body hygiene kits, cover your cough kits, and oral hygiene kits for adults and children--that include a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.

All items within the Health Hub are available at no cost and are anonymously dispensed. To operate the machine, an individual must press “#1#” followed by the twodigit number that corresponds to their desired item(s). Black plastic bags are located on the front and on the side of the machine for those who need multiple items.

Public health-based vending machines are the product of collaboration. Clark County’s new Health Hub would not have been possible without the support of the Clark County Social Services Committee, Clark County Board of Health Committee, and the Abbotsford City Council.

Opioid overdose prevention work is not new to Clark County. The Clark County Health Department has been offering no cost Narcan and training to law enforcement, county entities, local EMS, and community members for nearly five years. Within the last two years, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office has installed multiple Narcan boxes throughout the Neillsville Courthouse, in which community members can anonymously obtain no cost Narcan at their convenience.

“Addiction and mental health crisis can affect anyone at any given time. Our hope is to increase access to evidence-based harm-reduction tools such as Narcan and cable firearm locks, which can save lives. In addition, while working within our communities, we’ve recognized that not all individuals have access to basic items that support health. The Clark County Health Hub gives people the option to obtain supplies that support their well-being,” states Brittany Mews, Clark County health officer/director.

The Health Hub is available Monday-Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will also be open on Saturday from Labor Day through Memorial Day only, from 9 am. to noon.

For additional community resources, visit clarkcountywi.gov/ph-resources.