Vending

New York honors naloxone vending proponent

Photo: Adobe Stock

April 1, 2026

Summarize with

Public health vending machines, aimed at combating overdose deaths, are among the innovations being recognized as New York City honors municipal workers at the fourth annual NYC Hayes Innovation Prize ceremony, according to an AMNY report.

One of the award winners, Roxanne Anderson of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, implemented the machines that dispense naloxone, sterile syringes and other supplies. Since launching in June 2023, the city's first four machines have been used more than 42,000 times, distributing thousands of life-saving resources.

City officials are recognizing a dozen employees in total, selected from 74 nominations across more than 30 agencies. The winning projects span affordability, accessibility and public safety, reflecting broader efforts to modernize services and improve outcomes for residents. Each honoree will receive a $1,000 prize funded by the Frederick O'Reilly Hayes Prize Foundation.

Another recipient, FDNY firefighter Joel Owhe, developed a digital job safety analysis application that replaces a paper-based system. Officials said the tool improves firefighter training, evaluation and safety by shifting to a more proactive, data-driven process. Department leadership credited the application with strengthening operations and better protecting personnel.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the honorees demonstrate how city workers are advancing practical solutions that make government more effective and equitable. Officials added that the projects highlight how technology and program innovation can improve service delivery, reduce risks and expand access to critical resources across New York City.