Vending

Nebraska health organization providing free hygiene supplies via vending

Photo: Generated by AI. Adobe Stock.

January 19, 2026

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department in Nebraska has introduced four HealthToGo vending machines across the city of Lincoln to provide residents with free health, hygiene and safety supplies.

The machines are located at the health department building, the F Street Community Center, Union Plaza and the Carriage Park Parking Garage. A fifth location will be announced soon.

The initiative is designed to increase access to essential items and ensure support is available at all hours without requiring identification or personal health details. Each machine is stocked with health-related items including feminine hygiene products, condoms, pregnancy tests, HIV self-tests, emergency contraception and naloxone used to reverse opioid overdoses, according to a KLKN TV report. The machines also distribute educational materials and feature QR codes linking users to follow-up resources, care options and additional health information.

The project was funded by a $75,000 grant from the federal Ryan White HIV AIDS Program, with additional support from local partners including the Lincoln Hygiene Network, the Community Health Endowment, Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln and the Women's Fund of Omaha. The machines collect basic demographic details such as ZIP code, age, and race when items are dispensed to help the department understand usage patterns, but do not collect personally identifiable information.