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  Vending machine providing free birth control and overdose prevention
  products debuts in Brooklyn
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  News

Vending machine providing free birth control and overdose prevention products
debuts in Brooklyn
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  By
  [7]Brittany Kriegstein

  Published Jun 5, 2023
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  A man demonstrating use of a bright blue vending machine, and a
  detailed look at its contents
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  Brittany Kriegstein
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  By
  [9]Brittany Kriegstein

  Published Jun 5, 2023
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  A new vending machine in Brownsville, Brooklyn is attracting lots of
  attention – but not because it sells snacks and drinks.

  Instead, compartments in the shiny blue device on the corner of Decatur
  Street and Broadway are stocked with naloxone kits, fentanyl test
  strips, birth control packs and baggies containing tools for safer
  smoking of substances like crack cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin.
  And it’s all free: residents just have to enter their zip code and make
  a selection.

  The machine is the first of its kind in New York City, designed to help
  reduce drug overdose deaths and mitigate other crises by giving
  residents free, 24/7 access to lifesaving equipment, resources and
  information.

  “This is more than just a vending machine – it’s a gateway to services
  and support and recovery,” said Dr. Ashwin Vasan, commissioner of the
  city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which is running the
  pilot program in partnership with the longstanding harm-reduction and
  social services nonprofit Services for the UnderServed.

  Three more machines, which cost about $11,000 each, are slated for
  installation in other areas hard-hit by drug use and overdose deaths.
  Vasan hopes to see the program expand even further.

  “We’re very optimistic that this could expand beyond four,” he said.
  “This is not a be-all, end-all in our fight; this is one more arrow in
  a quiver, and we need lots of arrows in that quiver to respond to this
  ever-growing crisis. So I’d love to see this expand as far and as
  widely as possible, so that it’s available everywhere.”

  In addition to the goods it offers, the Brownsville vending machine
  displays QR codes to help people look up services and resources in the
  community. Its location was determined by an analysis of overdose
  deaths in the neighborhood, Vasan explained.

  “This is just your first stop on your way to hopefully getting care,
  and getting housing, and getting all you need from S:US or any other
  organization in New York City,” said Rebecca Linn-Walton, chief
  strategy officer for Services for the UnderServed. “It shouldn’t be
  luck or privilege that gets you into services. It should be easily
  accessible to everyone we know and love in New York.”

  The city is experiencing a spike in overdose deaths. According to data
  from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2021 set the record
  for the most overdose fatalities, with 2,668 recorded citywide. In
  comparison, 2020 saw 2,103 overdose deaths. About 80% of those deaths
  each year were caused by fentanyl, a [11]potent synthetic opioid up to
  50 times stronger than heroin.

  Citywide numbers for 2022 are still being calculated. But with 1,370
  deaths recorded in the first half of the year, it’s on pace to beat
  even the record high from 2021.

  In Vasan’s view, a problem so pervasive needed a creative solution that
  can put lifesaving fentanyl overdose antidotes like naxolone – also
  known by the brand name Narcan – into the hands of as many New Yorkers
  as possible.

  “Vending machines are a well-known entity, they’re a well-known device,
  people stop and look and see what’s in there,” he said. “I think
  they’ll be surprised to find that this is a public health vending
  machine. I think that’s a great thing: it will start conversations,
  hopefully that get people talking about our overdose crisis and what
  they can do to engage.”

  As part of Monday’s ribbon-cutting, Elan Quashie, director of the
  Opioid Overdose Prevention Program, demonstrated how the machine works
  in real time by placing its inaugural order.

  Seconds after entering his area code, he held a small blue naxolone
  kit, complete with how-to-use instructions.

  The Big Apple isn’t the first place to try the vending machine tactic.

  The first machine was installed in Copenhagen, Denmark, Vasan says.
  Since then, Philadelphia, Las Vegas and Cincinnati have unveiled their
  own versions. Data on how well they worked was not immediately
  available.

  “We have to address the root causes of substance use, not just the
  needs of people who are using now,” Vasan said. “How do we prevent
  people from using in the first place? This is why we made overdose
  response a core pillar of our mental health plan for the city, to
  formally bring these together.”
    __________________________________________________________________

  Related stories
  Facing overdose crisis, Mayor Adams says NYC will seek to lower drug
  deaths by 15%
  Why NYC bars are stocking up opioid overdose meds in the new year

  Tagged
  news
  public health
  brooklyn
  public safety
    __________________________________________________________________

  Brittany Kriegstein

  Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with
  a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at
  [email protected].
  [12]Read more

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  Published Jun 7, 2023 at 5:43 p.m.
    __________________________________________________________________

  Lawmakers are moving some NY elections to even-numbered years. Could
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    __________________________________________________________________

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