New Yorkers own vending machines to avoid drug overdoses

New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has unveiled the city’s first public health vending machine powered by Services (S:US) to provide 24/7 access days a week to conveniently dispense life-saving harm reduction products. and anonymously to achieve the goal outlined in the mental health plan.

In short, public health vending machines are a desperate strategy by the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, given the alarming number of overdose deaths fueled by the overconsumption of fentanyl plaguing American society.

Through this strategy, local government wants to reduce stigma and reach New Yorkers who are not yet connected to harm reduction services. Similar machines in the United States, Europe and Australia have shown success in reducing overdoses and rates of infectious diseases, officials said.

“We are in the midst of an overdose crisis in our city, which takes a fellow New Yorker from us every three hours and is a leading cause of decreased life expectancy in New York City,” said Sears Commissioner Dr. Ashwin. Vasan.

“But we will continue to fight to keep our neighbors and loved ones alive with care, compassion and action. Public health vending machines are an innovative way to meet people where they are and put life-saving tools like naloxone in their hands. We will leave no stone unturned until we reverse the trend of opioid-related deaths in our city.”

One of the test machines will be installed on Broadway in Brooklyn and will be monitored by an organization called S:US, which will repurpose the device to include items that meet the needs of the local community.

Anyone who needs the machine can use it by entering their zip code and entering the serial number of the product. Instructions are in English and Spanish.

Excess at historic levels

New York’s death toll has reached historic levels. There were 2,668 deaths from this cause in 2021, surpassing the 2,103 recorded in 2020. 84% of these deaths were caused by the use of fentanyl.

2022 becomes New York’s year of overdose deaths. More than 3,700 people died as a result, prompting alarm from local authorities.

In response, the CARE Community Action Program pledged to provide programs to access free naloxone, which if used at the right time can prevent overdose deaths.

The U.S. government has accused other countries of smuggling fentanyl and has given lengthy explanations about the responsibility of others in this growing problem. However, they do not accept their responsibility in controlling a society that is increasingly dependent on drug consumption.