Vending

Minnesota county seeks input on health vending machine

Photo: wolterke - stock.adobe.com

August 11, 2026

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Cook County Public Health and Human Services in Minnesota is asking residents to help determine what should be stocked in a planned public health vending machine and where it should be installed, according to a WTIP News report. The department is also seeking feedback on the community's overall support for the initiative.

The machine would provide free, around-the-clock access to health supplies such as naloxone, commonly sold under the brand name Narcan, and fentanyl test strips. Although the county already distributes those products at no cost, access is restricted by office locations and operating hours. Officials also are considering seasonal products, including sunscreen, hand warmers and wool hats.

The University of Minnesota purchased the machine with funding from a Rural Communities Opioid Response Program grant in which Cook County participated. Supplies will be financed through opioid settlement money, including funds county commissioners approved in 2024 for prevention, treatment and recovery programs. The county will seek permission from the Grand Marais City Council if it decides to place the machine on city-owned property.