Steuben County Public Health Launches Harm Reduction Vending Machine in Addison

Steuben County, NY - In a significant step toward combating the opioid epidemic, Steuben County Public Health is proud to announce the deployment of a Harm Reduction Vending Machine located outside the Addison Fire Department. This machine provides 24/7 access to life-saving tools, including Narcan (naloxone), fentanyl test strips, and xylazine test strips—completely free of charge.

 

The vending machine is part of Steuben County’s commitment to promoting public health and safety through harm reduction strategies. By increasing access to these critical resources, the initiative aims to reduce overdose deaths and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

 

“This initiative reflects our dedication to addressing substance use in our community with compassion and practicality,” said Public Health Director Darlene Smith. “By providing these resources at no cost and around the clock, we hope to save lives and support the health of our residents.”

 

Steuben County Public Health extends its gratitude to the Addison Fire Department for hosting the vending machine and to the community partners who made this initiative possible.

 

Location: Addison Fire Department, 1 Tuscarora St, Addison, NY 14801

 

Machine Contents:

 

Narcan (naloxone): A medication that can rapidly reverse opioid overdoses.

Fentanyl Test Strips: These strips allow individuals to test drugs for the presence of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance that is similar to morphine but about 100 times more potent (United States Drug Enforcement Administration)

Xylazine Test Strips: Xylazine, a veterinary sedative increasingly found in illicit drug supplies, poses severe health risks (United States Drug Enforcement Administration). The strips enable users to detect this substance.

 

Narcan training is available at https://www.steubencountyny.gov/narcan or in-person training can be scheduled by calling Steuben Public Health at 607-664-2438 or reaching out to the Steuben Prevention Coalition’s Opioid Committee. Find Narcan wall box units near you using the Narcan Location Map: https://scnygis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=d9a2723d449a4e558a2dfd44a121e823

 

Local support is available. Steuben County Substance Abuse Services (SCASAS) offers outpatient services in Bath (607-664-2156), Corning (607-937-6201), and Hornell (607-324-2483) as well as after-hours services (607-937-7800). CASA Trinity in Hornell (607-282-5200) and Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital in Bath offer detox and inpatient services as well. By texting the keyword "GetHelpNY" to 898-211, users will be guided through a series of questions to help them, or their loved ones find the assistance they need. Residents are also encouraged to call 211 for other local support.

 

 

Mealea VanDenburg

Public Health Education Coordinator

Steuben County Public Health