Vending
Arkansas pharmacist couple launch Med Kwik Narcan vending machines
May 2, 2024
Pharmacists Rebecca and Gary Whittington have launched Med Kwik, a project that places quick-access vending machines filled with over-the-counter and personal health products at local colleges, hotels, airports, hospitals and manufacturing locations, according to an Arkansas Money and Politics report.
The pharmacist couple's children are also involved in the production. The idea was their 15-year-old son Avery's and their 17-year-old son, Nate, is developing the digital display on the side of the machines, for which a patent is pending.
The Whittingtons do not believe Med Kwik provides the solution the opioid epidemic. They are confident, however, that accessible Narcan will make a difference. "We want to try a more proactive approach and offer Narcan for free for those who need it," Gary Whittington told the news outlet. "The advantage of these machines is that it allows for a little bit of discretion and privacy. I think it's going to be huge, especially in our area. Sebastian County was No. 1 in the state for total overdoses in 2023."
Currently, Med Kwik has 21 machines at universities and airports in Arkansas and Oklahoma.
