Townhall II Integrated Health Network now offers free harm reduction supplies from a vending machine in its Kent office lobby, located at 155 N. Water St., in downtown Kent.
Supplies featured include Naloxone (Narcan), Fentanyl test strips, Deterra drug deactivation and disposal kits, condoms, pregnancy tests, first aid kits and hygiene kits. The vending machine is funded by the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County.
“We feel it is important our community has access to items such as these,” says John Garrity, Ph.D., executive director of the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County. “In the case of Narcan and Fentanyl test strips, these items can literally save lives. The board is happy to partner with Townhall II on this project.”
Mamie Sawyer-Brewer, registered nurse for Townhall II’s Medicine-Assisted Treatment Clinic, spearheaded the concept of bringing the harm reduction vending machine to Portage County.
“I have 20 years of experience in public health and am a firm believer in harm reduction and street outreach,” she says. “Harm reduction is a health promotion strategy that works and saves lives and Townhall II embraces that. This is just another positive way we are supporting the health and well-being of the residents of Portage County.”
Sawyer-Brewer says she saw that Huron County had a harm-reduction vending machine and thought it was a great idea to bring one to Portage County.
“This is what we want,” says Tamera Hunter, CEO of Townhall II. “We want people walking through our doors and getting free access to items that can really help them. This is our mission and vision, to ensure our citizens have the support, resources and skills to achieve and sustain optimum health and wellness.”
The vending machine is available when the lobby is open, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. People will just need to plug in code “155” when choosing their items. No questions will be asked of individuals using the machine.
