From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? Let us know! Delaware is rolling out harm reduction vending machines to help fight the opioid epidemic throughout the state. The five vending machines are outside and the items, which include overdose antidote naloxone , safe sex kits and other hygiene products, are free.
They’re available day and night and will be restocked by the Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. Lt. Gov.
Bethany Hall Long said the machines offer products that will save lives, such as wound care kits for people addicted to xylazine , an animal tranquilizer that can cause irreversible skin ulcers. “Many times, individuals have fear or stigma,” she said. “So we want a 24/7 judgment-free zone where individuals can access critical and often life-saving kits.
” Ribbon cutting of a harm reduction vending machine in Dover on Nov. 13. From left to right: Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Deputy Cabinet Secretary Dava Newnam, Brandywine Counseling and Community Services Prevention Program Manager Holly Rybinski, DHSS Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Harm (DSAMH) Reduction Coordinator Rebecca Urey, Brandywine Counseling and Community Services CEO Lynn Morrison, State Rep.
Kerri Evelyn Harris, DSAMH Director Joanna Champney, Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long.
(Courtesy of DHSS) The vending machines are located statewide, with sites a.