New vending machine offers lifesaving overdose prevention supplies in Taylorville

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WAND) — A harm reduction vending machine has been installed in Taylorville to help prevent overdoses.

The Christian County Health Department installed the machine outside the health department building to provide free, 24/7 access to lifesaving overdose prevention supplies for the community.

The vending machine offers Narcan and fentanyl test strips for free, along with other public health and safety items, most of which are free, according to the health department.

Narcan can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, while fentanyl test strips allow people to detect the presence of fentanyl in substances, helping prevent accidental overdoses.

The health department said public health research consistently shows that access to harm reduction tools reduces overdose deaths and increases engagement with health and recovery services.

"By making these supplies available around the clock, we are removing barriers and ensuring that lifesaving tools are accessible when and where they are needed most," said Christian County Health Department Public Health Administrator Dr. Chad Anderson." Naloxone (Narcan) and fentanyl test strips save lives, and this vending machine is another step toward protecting the health and safety of our community."

The initiative was funded through the Christian County States Attorney's Office using resources from the Opioid Settlement Fund.

The vending machine can be accessed anonymously at any time outside the Christian County Health Department building at 730 N. Pawnee St. in Taylorville.

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