New Vending Machines Dispense Free Condoms, COVID Tests, Narcan In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — COVID-19 tests, condoms and Narcan are among the items available — for free — at dozens of new vending machines placed throughout the county, including several in Santa Monica, 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.

Three stations are now open in Santa Monica:

• The People Concern - Access Center (503 Olympic Blvd.)
• The People Concern - Samoshel (505 Olympic Blvd.)
• The People Concern - Turning Point (1447 16th St.)

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