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LA County vending machines offer free Narcan, fentanyl tests and health supplies
Narcan nasal spray treats opioid overdoses.
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Scott Olson
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Getty Images
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Topline:
People can pick up free overdose prevention and health supplies from dozens of new vending machines across L.A. County.
Why it matters: The machines, called “community health stations,” are stocked with COVID-19 tests, naloxone, known by the brand name Narcan, fentanyl test strips and two kinds of condoms.
Why now: The L.A. County Department of Public Health launched the stations Monday.
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An example of one of the community health station vending machines, now being rolled out across L.A. County.
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L.A. County Department of Public Health
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The backstory: People can still stop by some L.A. County Libraries for free naloxone clinics to pick up a box of the nasal spray, which can quickly reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.
What’s next: Officials plan to nearly double the number of stations over the next few months from 51 to 100.
Where: You can find a full list of the locations here. They’re designed to be easily accessible and have been placed at pharmacies, community centers and homeless shelters, among other places.
Go deeper: L.A. County library expands number of free naloxone clinics
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