Vending

Wisconsin fire department adds 2nd public health vending machine

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July 28, 2026

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A second public health vending machine has opened in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, at the Two Rivers Fire Department, according to a Seehafer News report.

The Northeastern Wisconsin Area Health and Education Center installed the unit to provide free health and safety supplies from a central location that is accessible to local residents.

The machine dispenses naloxone, fentanyl test strips, food, menstrual products, hygiene supplies, lice-treatment kits and gun locks. Organizers also plan to rotate seasonal items, including hats, gloves, blankets and hand warmers during winter. The unit was already receiving enough use to require restocking before its official ribbon-cutting.

Users enter the code 1234, then provide their ZIP code and age before selecting up to two products. Although Wisconsin has about 75 state-funded public health vending machines, the two Manitowoc County units were financed by a local nonprofit, giving organizers greater flexibility over the products offered. Officials said the machine can reduce barriers by placing several essential resources in one location.