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Health support, when and where it's needed.
Health support should be easy to find, free of judgment and available when people need it most. Community Health Vending Machines place essential health and safety supplies directly in community spaces, offering private, low‑barrier access to items that help people stay safe, prevent illness and connect to care.
By meeting people where they are, these machines support individual well‑being while strengthening the health of the whole community.
What are Community Health Vending Machines?
Community Health Vending Machines are secure, outdoor‑rated kiosks stocked with free public health supplies. They are placed in accessible locations such as Tribal Health Organizations, community centers, clinics, treatment facilities, and other trusted spaces.
Unlike traditional service models that rely on appointments, referrals or limited office hours, vending machines provide access to health-related supplies with no paperwork, no identification and no interaction required.
What supplies are available?
Supplies vary by community based on local needs and priorities, but may include:
- Naloxone nasal spray
- Fentanyl and xylazine test strips
- HIV self-testing kits
- Infectious disease prevention supplies (e.g., condoms, internal condoms, dental dams, and lubricants)
- Prescription lock bottles
- Safe medication disposal bags
- Wound-care items
- Basic hygiene supplies
- Culturally relevant items and additional health-related supplies identified by the community (e.g., cultural crafting materials, seasonal wellness items or locally prioritized resources)
All items are provided free of charge.
Why vending machines?
Community Health Vending Machines help remove common barriers to care, including:
- Stigma or fear of judgment
- Limited clinic hours or transportation challenges
- Privacy concerns
- Geographic isolation in rural or remote communities
By offering anonymous, self‑directed access, vending machines allow people to take care of their health on their own terms.
How does this approach support community health?
Community Health Vending Machines are part of a broader public health strategy focused on prevention, early intervention and connection to care. Goals include:
- Improve safety, health and quality of life for Alaska Native and American Indian people
- Reduce opioid overdoses and the spread of infectious diseases
- Expand access to critical health and prevention resources
- Reduce stigma associated with accessing health and recovery-related resources
- Strengthen linkages to care, treatment and recovery supports
- Increase awareness of state and local resources
- Promote compassionate, nonjudgmental community care
This approach recognizes that small, practical support can make a meaningful difference in health outcomes.
How was this initiative made possible?
ANTHC launched the Community Health Vending Machine Initiative to increase access to opioid overdose and infectious disease prevention supplies in communities throughout Alaska.
Organizations throughout the state were provided vending machines at no cost along with implementation support, community outreach resources, educational materials and public health supplies to stock each machine. This initiative was funded by the Ending the HIV/HCV/Syphilis Epidemics in Indian Country II (ETHIC II) program through the Indian Health Service.
Each vending machine is implemented in partnership with local organizations, Tribal partners and community stakeholders. Locations, supplies and messaging are guided by local priorities to ensure the machines reflect and serve the community they are placed in.
Interested in expanding prevention efforts in your community?
If your organization is interested in learning more about increasing opioid overdose and infectious disease prevention efforts in your community, please contact the ANTHC Substance Misuse Prevention team at saprevention@anthc.org.
