Plans are underway to expand the program with at least two more machines in central Pennsylvania within the next year, aiming to further reduce barriers like cost and stigma.

Data collected from over 2,300 registered users shows many face unemployment and housing insecurity, with a significant portion not having accessed healthcare in the past year, emphasizing the machines' role in reaching marginalized populations.

In Reading, Pennsylvania, harm-reduction vending machines called 'Health To Go' have been providing free health supplies such as naloxone, pregnancy tests, hygiene kits, wound care, and safer sex kits for over a year, supporting people with substance use issues and homelessness.

These machines offer a judgment-free, confidential way for vulnerable individuals to access essential health supplies, especially those uncomfortable with traditional healthcare settings.

Since their installation, the machines have dispensed more than 11,000 items, including nearly 2,000 doses of naloxone and 1,700 wound care kits, with hygiene kits being the most popular.

The vending machines feature interactive touchscreens that display community resources, educational videos, and collect anonymous feedback, helping to improve services and measure impact.

This initiative is part of a broader movement in the U.S. to expand harm reduction efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing rising overdose deaths and barriers to in-person healthcare.

The project aims to normalize harm reduction tools, reduce overdose fatalities, and improve health outcomes by removing barriers such as cost, stigma, and limited service hours.

The overarching goal is to provide accessible, stigma-reducing healthcare options to prevent overdoses and support marginalized communities.

With plans to install more machines in central Pennsylvania, the initiative seeks to further reach underserved populations and address public health challenges associated with substance use.

Funding for the initiative comes from grants from Penn State College of Medicine, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, and opioid settlement funds from Dauphin and Berks counties, highlighting strong institutional support.