Cincinnati Food Pantry Adds Naloxone Vending Machine

The IPM Food Pantry in Cincinnati now has a harm reduction vending machine that provides naloxone and other supplies. The University of Cincinnati partnered with local organizations and the Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board to bring the machine to the pantry.

IPM Food Pantry President Melissa Meyer told Spectrum News that the machine helps meet local needs. People who visit for food can now access supplies that may help prevent an overdose.

Making Naloxone Easier to Access

Some people avoid clinics or treatment centers because they fear judgment about their drug use. Daniel Arendt, a University of Cincinnati pharmacist and assistant professor told Spectrum News that stigma can keep people from seeking help.

The vending machine offers another option. People can get supplies without having to ask someone face to face or explain their situation.

Arendt has worked with Cincinnati nonprofit Caracole since 2021. That year the organization installed the area’s first harm reduction vending machine. According to the University of Cincinnati naloxone from one of Caracole’s machines has been linked to thousands of overdose reversals.

How Naloxone Saves Lives

Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose temporarily. It can restore breathing and give someone time to receive emergency medical care.

The medication doesn’t last forever. Overdose symptoms can return after its effects wear off so anyone who suspects an overdose should call 911 right away.

Naloxone can help more than people who use opioids. Family members friends and other community members may also need it if someone overdoses nearby.

Putting the machine at a food pantry makes supplies available in a familiar setting. People who feel uncomfortable visiting a clinic may find it easier to get naloxone there. They may also find information about other local services.

Connecting People With Treatment

Naloxone can save a life but it doesn’t treat opioid addiction. Someone who survives an overdose may need medical care and ongoing support to reduce the risk of another emergency.

Treatment options depend on the person’s needs. They may include medication for opioid use disorder counseling or residential treatment. A health care professional can help determine which approach is appropriate.

Detox.com provides information about opioid detox and treatment options in Ohio. People looking for help can explore medically supervised withdrawal and medication based treatment. Families can also ask providers about support after detox.

What the Cincinnati Program Offers

The vending machine gives local residents another way to access naloxone without visiting a clinic. By placing it at a food pantry the partnership makes overdose prevention supplies available where people already go for help.

The machine doesn’t replace addiction treatment. It gives people access to a medication that can save lives and may help connect them with additional support.

Ohio residents can visit Detox.com to learn about opioid detox and treatment options. Families may also want to keep naloxone at home if someone they know uses opioids. Knowing where it is and how to use it can help during an emergency. Call 800-996-6135Sponsored to speak with a treatment specialist today.