Vending

Pennsylvania university deploys wellness vending machine

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April 13, 2026

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Pennsylvania's Millersville University has installed a wellness vending machine in the Student Memorial Center, according to a Millersville News report, offering students convenient, low-cost access to health and personal care products.

Located near the campus Chick-fil-A, the machine provides discreet, after-hours access to essential items, including over-the-counter medications and reproductive health supplies.

The initiative grew out of the university's President's Leadership Institute, a professional development program led by President Daniel Wubah. The project is spearheaded by Lauren Blevins, director of health services, and Susan Moyer of the Wehrheim School of Nursing, who identified a need to improve access to everyday health products while promoting a broader culture of well-being on campus.

In addition to paid items, the machine offers free resources such as Narcan, pregnancy tests and tampons. Each product is paired with a QR code that links students to campus and community support services, including the YWCA and Domestic Violence Services. University officials said student feedback played a key role in shaping the product mix, with concerns about affordability and stigma influencing the final design.

The project is supported by multiple campus departments and external partners, with funding from a grant provided by the Jewish Healthcare Foundation. Officials said items are priced just above cost to cover operational expenses. The university said the vending machine reflects its broader effort to expand access to health resources, encourage self-care and create a more inclusive campus environment.