Vending

Grand Rapids health company deploys Narcan vending machines

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April 10, 2024

Two Narcan-dispensing vending machines have launched in Grand Rapids, Michigan, both owned by Cherry Health, according to a News 8 report. The drug reverses opioid overdoses and can be life-saving.

The vending machines in Grand Rapids are located at the Southside Health Center at 2303 Kalamazoo Ave., SE and the Westside Health Center at 669 Stocking Ave., NW. They join two machines already in place at the Heart of the City Health Center and the Montcalm Health Center.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan funded the vending machines through a 20,000 grant.

"This is one of the most important tools that we have in combating the opioid epidemic. What's happening in our communities is devastating and any opportunity that people have to stay alive and access health care services is a benefit," Bob Smith, Cherry Health's chief behavioral health officer, told the news outlet.

Narcan, also called naloxone, is available 24/7 through the vending machines and is free.