New Vending Machines Dispense Free Condoms, COVID Tests, Narcan In LA County

LOS ANGELES, CA — COVID-19 tests, condoms and Narcan are among the items available — for free — at dozens of new vending machines placed throughout the county, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced Monday.

The department launched its first 51 Community Health Stations earlier this year, and plans to deploy a total of 100 stations in the coming months. They're located in accessible locations like pharmacies, clinics, community centers and homeless shelters.

The vending machines are stocked with the following products:

• COVID-19 tests (box of two)
• Naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose also known as Narcan (one carton containing two single-use devices and instructions)
• Fentanyl test strip kit
• External condoms (package of five condoms and five lubricants)
• Internal condom

"Having free public health supplies available to residents seven days a week through the self-service Community Health Stations makes it easier to access important products that support health and save lives," DPH Director Barbara Ferrer said in a statement.

The program is a collaboration between the Department of Public Health and its Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Bureau, along with the Division of HIV and STD Programs.

A map of Community Health Stations is available on DPH's website.