In a bid to combat the opioid crisis, Chippewa County Public Health in Chippewa Falls has made Narcan, a nasal spray that can save someone’s life in case of an overdose, accessible to the public through three boxes located at the YMCA. However, they are now looking to expand their resources by adding a public health vending machine. The vending machine would contain items such as Fentanyl testing strips, Narcan nasal spray, condoms, plan b, hygiene kits, toothbrushes, Doterra medication disposal bags, and other items aimed at preventing opioid misuse and providing resources for community members.
The state of Wisconsin was awarded $36 million this year from lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies and opioid manufacturers. $800,000 of this funding has been set aside for competitive grant funding to be used for public health vending machines, and Chippewa County is applying for some of that funding. Importantly, the vending machine project will not be funded by tax levy dollars but rather through grant funding and opioid settlement funds.
Chippewa County Public Health staff emphasized the need for the vending machine in the area, citing an increase in opioid overdose deaths in the community. Data from 2023 showed 14 overdose deaths in Chippewa County alone, with 3 deaths already occurring in 2024. The goal of the vending machine is to save lives and provide resources to community members in need.
Eau Claire has had a vending machine at the county jail lobby for almost a year and has dispensed 800 boxes of Narcan nasal spray and over 2000 Fentanyl test strips. If the grant for the vending machine in Chippewa Falls is approved, Chippewa County Public Health staff expects to have it up and running by the end of the year. This initiative is crucial in addressing the opioid crisis and providing support to those affected in the community.