Wellsville, NY [January 28, 2025] — Jones Memorial Hospital is committed to protecting and improving the health of our community. As part of that commitment, we are proud to announce the installation of a harm reduction vending machine on our campus, which provides free drug testing supplies, such as fentanyl test strips, as well as Nalaxone, (Narcan) aimed at preventing overdose and saving lives.
The vending machine and its supplies are provided by a partnership between Partners for Prevention in Allegany County (PPAC), the Allegany Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (ACASA), and the Medication for Addiction Treatment & Electronic Referrals (MATTERS) organization. This initiative is part of a broader state-funded effort to combat the ongoing opioid crisis, which continues to impact individuals and families in our community. The grant funding for this program is allocated specifically for harm reduction measures, reflecting the state’s commitment to addressing public health emergencies like the overdose epidemic.
Jones Memorial Hospital CEO, Jim Helms, expressed his gratitude for the partnership stating, “We want to thank our partners at ACASA and PPAC for working so hard to get this life saving equipment installed in Wellsville.” He went on to explain, “We can’t ignore the struggles of so many of our friends, families and neighbors. While Wellsville and the surrounding communities are wonderful places to live, to ignore the issue would be irresponsible. It’s our responsibility as both good citizens and health care professionals to provide compassionate care to our patients.”
We understand that members of our community may have mixed feelings about this initiative, and we value open dialogue. Some have raised questions about the availability of resources for other critical health concerns, such as insulin for individuals managing diabetes. It’s important to note that this vending machine is funded exclusively through a state program designed to support overdose prevention, and the grant cannot be redirected to other healthcare needs.
Our mission remains to support the health of our community in as many ways as possible. While the harm reduction vending machine is a targeted response to a specific crisis, we continue to advocate for expanded resources to address other vital healthcare priorities. We are also actively working with local and state partners to identify additional opportunities to provide support for chronic disease management and other pressing health needs.
The harm reduction vending machine is not just about addressing substance use; it is about saving lives and giving individuals a second chance to access the care and support they need. We believe in compassionate, evidence-based approaches to public health and remain committed to addressing all aspects of community health through comprehensive and inclusive programs.
We encourage members of our community to reach out with questions or concerns, and we welcome the opportunity to collaborate on solutions that strengthen our collective well-being.
ABOUT JONES MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Jones Memorial Hospital (JMH), located in beautiful southwestern New York State, is a CMS 4 Star quality rated, 49-bed acute care facility serving all of Allegany County, as well as western Steuben County and northern Potter County, PA. Truly a community hospital, JMH is committed to continuously raising quality and safety to higher levels and providing top quality healthcare in a hometown community setting. Jones Memorial is accredited by The Joint Commission.
