Harm reduction vending machine provides free supplies for those struggling with addiction, self-harm

Known as a harm reduction vending machine, the dispenser contains fentanyl test strips, naloxone, gun locks and other items for those struggling with addiction or self-harm. And everything is free.

It’s the brainchild of Milwaukee VA performance improvement coordinator Diane Mosey, who worked with innovation specialist Joann Jastrab and harm reduction coordinator Hannah Von Behren to get the machine through a Milwaukee County Health and Human Services program.

The goal is to provide a safe, easy and confidential method of distributing items that can go a long way in protecting those battling addiction or thoughts of self-harm, Von Behren said.

“Stigma is one of the things that stops individuals from seeking care,” Von Behren said. “The vending machine … allows them to get the supplies for free, with no questions asked. That decreases that barrier and the shame that someone might have when trying to get these supplies.”

There are no restrictions on who uses the machine; Von Behren said she hopes Veterans, staff, family members and caregivers take advantage of it to either help themselves, loved ones, friends or other acquaintances.

And while some may believe that such machines enable drug users, Von Behren said the opposite is true.

“All the research shows that when someone starts to use these supplies, they’re more likely to engage in treatment of some sort,” she said. “Plus, there are no negative consequences to society. This is going to make our whole city better.”

Mosey came up with the idea while working in the pain management clinic, where she realized Veterans needed quick and easy access to naloxone, which can save the life of someone who has overdosed on opioids.

Working with Jastrab, Mosey learned of the Milwaukee County program, which places similar machines in high-risk areas. The Milwaukee VA happens to be in one of those areas.

“They want to make sure access is easy, efficient and effective to get the products to those who need them to be safe,” Jastrab said. “You just press a button, and the supplies pop out.”

While the hospital hosts the machine, it is maintained and stocked by Milwaukee County through a partnership with Vivent Health. There are 19 machines in the county, strategically placed to be within a 10-minute walk or drive of areas with high overdose rates.

The machines also feature information on where people can go to get additional resources or help.

The vending machine is the Milwaukee VA’s latest harm reduction effort; earlier this year, harm reduction safe boxes were introduced. These are kits that a Veteran can stock with whatever supplies they feel they need to be safe.

Von Behren said the Milwaukee VA’s support of harm reduction efforts is appreciated, especially considering the uphill battle faced by those struggling with drug addiction, mental health issues and other harmful behaviors.

“This has been a long time coming in getting up to speed with harm reduction, and this is a step in the right direction,” she said.

“This helps reduce negative consequences for everyone — not just the user, not just the family member. We all have been impacted in some way by mental health and substance use, and this is a way we can start closing the gaps of services that might scare people away.

“Overdose is still going to happen … but with naloxone and safer-using supplies, the hope is to increase the non-fatal overdoses so that people can get the treatment they need,” she said.

Jastrab agreed.

“I think a lot of VA staff see this as a very important issue,” she said. “This is really about human struggling, and we have to be supportive of others. They’re not bad humans; they’re just struggling.”

“Everybody’s on a journey. It’s just a matter of where they are at,” Mosey said.