Vending

NYC public health vending machine program stalls

Photo: Adobe Stock

July 26, 2024

New York City's initiative to install 10 public health vending machines across the city has fallen short, according to a VNY report. Despite initial plans, only four machines are operational, located in Brooklyn and Queens.

The program, aimed at providing free 24/7 access to essential health items like COVID tests, naloxone kits and safe sex supplies, has distributed over 18,000 items since its launch last June. However, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has yet to announce plans to expand the program to more neighborhoods.

A spokesperson for the department attributed the limited rollout to a lack of interested organizations willing to manage the machines.