Vending

Ohio county installs first harm reduction vending machine

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July 9, 2026

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Belmont County, Ohio, has launched its first free harm reduction vending machine at the Wayne L. Hayes Tower in Martins Ferry, according to a Times Leader report, offering residents 24/7 access to supplies aimed at preventing overdoses and supporting public health.

Funded through an Ohio Department of Health harm reduction grant, the machine dispenses Narcan kits, medication disposal bags, sharps containers, safe sex kits, hygiene kits and community resource information. Health officials said the project has been in development for about three years and is intended to make essential resources more accessible, particularly for residents with limited transportation.

The vending machine also displays information encouraging people to call 911 during an overdose emergency and to use the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for mental health or behavioral health crises. Belmont County health officials told the news outlet the initiative responds to the county's high overdose rates and is designed to equip bystanders with lifesaving tools while reducing barriers to obtaining harm reduction supplies. The machine has been available for about a month and has already received a positive community response.

Officials plan to restock the machine at least monthly, with more frequent refills if demand requires. The Belmont Metropolitan Housing Authority, which partnered with the county to host the machine, said residents have already been using the supplies, particularly Narcan kits. County officials said they are considering installing additional harm-reduction vending machines elsewhere in Belmont County if the initial deployment proves successful.