Free Vending Machines In Milwaukee Co. Join Fight Against Overdoses

MILWAUKEE, WI — Milwaukee County officials in August announced the locations of 11 new vending machines offering free harm reduction supplies in the fight against opioid overdoses and gun violence.

The placement of the vending machines comes in an effort to reduce injuries and deaths from overdoses, according to a news release from County Executive David Crowley's office. Milwaukee County saw over 660 drug overdose deaths in 2022, but the new vending machines seek to counter the continuing death with fentanyl testing strips, naloxone, medication deactivation pouches, lock bags and gun locks, the news release said.

Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is a drug that can reverse the deadly effects of opioids. Meanwhile, testing strips can help drug users minimize the risk of unexpected fentanyl contamination, which is an especially powerful opioid.

“The opioid epidemic reaches communities in all parts of the county. It crosses all socio-economic, demographic and age ranges—there is no 'type' of person who succumbs to opioid addiction. Last year’s opioid settlement allow us to get to work right away funding projects that will help save lives and mitigate continued suffering for residents and their loved ones,” said County Executive David Crowley in a news release. “Milwaukee County has been on the frontlines of this battle for years in the court system, and now we take the next step in bringing desperately needed resources to the doorstep of the communities that need them the most. By following the data and investing in the communities with the highest need, I am optimistic we will make our streets safer and help residents begin or continue their road to recovery.”

An application process for placement of the machines began in April across Milwaukee County and 11 initial locations were decided upon, the news release said. The locations were decided on the quality of applications alongside interviews and data identifying foot traffic and areas of greatest need.

As the project continues, officials said they plan to study it for expansion with 14 more harm-reduction vending machines planned by 2024 across the county.

“The vending machines, placed in key locations across the county will reduce barriers to these essential, lifesaving tools,” said Dr. Ben Weston, Milwaukee County Chief Health Policy Advisor. “By making fentanyl test strips, naloxone nasal spray, and other critical harm reduction supplies free and available without stigma, we can drive down the injury and harm from opioid overdoses in our community.”

Of the locations, one machine is located at Milwaukee County’s Community Reintegration Center. Officials said the intent is to make harm reduction supplies easily available for people being released from custody alongside visitors.

"This site was chosen because of the amount of foot traffic and to prevent overdose in individuals who may use drugs upon their release. Originally, a machine was located at the Marcia P. Coggs Human Services building," the news release said. "That machine has been relocated to the MLK Jr. Community Center, 1531 W. Vliet because that location sees a greater amount of foot traffic."

“At DHHS, our goal is to create easy access to services and resources across Milwaukee County through our No Wrong Door philosophy. The Harm Reduction Vending Machines provide lifesaving supplies at no cost in areas with the greatest need,” said Executive Director of the Department of Health & Human Services Shakita LaGrant-McClain in a news release. “We are hopeful this evidence-based strategy of harm reduction will change the narrative and prevent death from overdose.”

Here are the announced locations of the first 11 harm-reduction machines:

• Outreach Community Health Centers at 210 West Capitol Drive in Milwaukee.
• Oak Creek Fire Department at 7000 South 6th Street in Oak Creek.
• Community Advocates at 728 North James Lovell Street in Milwaukee.
• Diverse & Resilient at 2439 North Holton Street in Milwaukee.
• Mayfair Mall at 2500 North Mayfair Road in Wauwatosa.
• Guest House of Milwaukee - Pathways to Permanent Housing Program at 1615 South 22nd Street in Milwaukee.
• Milwaukee County Community Reintegration Center at 8885 South 68th Street in Franklin.
• AMRI Counseling Services at 4001 West Capitol Drive in Milwaukee.
• Dr. Martin L. King Community Center at 1531 West Vliet Street.
• Wisconsin Community Service at 2600 W. North Avenue in Milwaukee.
• Greendale Health Department at 5650 Parking Street in Greendale.