NEENAH, WI – (WGBW & WISS) – Winnebago County Public Health unveiled two new Public Health Vending Machines (PHVM) on Friday.

Public Health Vending Machines provide people with access to items that create a safer and healthier community. The items stocked in the machines include nasal Narcan, fentanyl test strips, DETERRA drug deactivation kits, gun locks, lock bags, feminine hygiene products, and basic needs kits.

Winnebago County Executive Jon Doemel was on hand at the unveiling. He said that providing the Public Health Vending Machines is not enabling addiction. It is saving lives.

Public Health Vending Machines close up view showing fentanyl test strips and Narcan kits. — Public Health Vending Machines in Winnebago County will provide residents with Narcan, fentanyl testing strips, gun locks and other items. Photo: Lisa M. Hale/Civic Media.

“It keeps people alive. You can’t recover if you’re dead,” said Doemel. “That’s harsh. But we have to give people time.”

Winnebago County Public Health paid for the PHVM with $80,000 in grant funds from the Wisconsin Department of Human Services. That grant money came from the state’s $400 million opioid settlement.

Why Public Health Vending Machines are needed

“In 2023 47 people died of an overdose in Winnebago County.” said Doug Gieryn, director/health officer, Winnebago County Public Health. “Each of those deaths has long-term implications for the person’s friends, family, and the overall community. The PHVM’s are aimed at preventing death as increasing access to Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips is one of the most effective tools available to combat the opioid epidemic.”

Maddie Breager, Community Health Strategist with the Winnebago County Public Health was the driving force behind bringing the PHVM’s to the county. She said that last year the county saw the highest number of opioid overdoses ever – 47 overdoses. And this year is on track to exceed that number.

“We’re hoping that this is just another two in our bucket to be able to provide the supplies they need for overdose prevention,” Breager said.

Breager said many Wisconsinites will not seek assistance or services for their substance use due to fear of being recognized, judged, or even arrested. PHVMs provide anonymous access to help 24/7. Items in the machines can be accessed using a unique PIN code, which anyone can receive by calling the PHVM Hotline at (920) 232-3313.

Doemel added that the PHVMs will also save lives for overdoses unrelated to substance abuse or illegal drugs.

“If you have a prescription for Vicodin, you drop one. You have a granddaughter over. And she picks it up. You should have this in your house because that’s going to save her life!” Doemel said.

The PHVMs are outside the Winnebago County Human Services Building at 211 North Commercial Street in Neenah and outside the David W. Albrecht Administration Building at 112 Otter Avenue in Oshkosh.

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