The Health Department of Frederick County is set to launch an innovative health vending machine at the Department of Housing and Services in the city, as well as at additional locations.
The Frederick County Health Department in Maryland will introduce a cutting-edge health vending machine within the city, providing a selection of essential resources completely free of charge.
This health vending machine will be situated at the Frederick Department of Housing and Services, located at 6040 New Design Road. It will offer naloxone, fentanyl test strips, along with hygiene and wellness products.
“This vending machine features naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose,” stated Jessica Ellis, who oversees harm reduction and diversion programs at the Frederick County Health Department, in a recent press release.
“In addition to naloxone, it contains various supplies aimed at enhancing safety for individuals in our community.”
In 2024, the county’s Health Department installed four naloxone drop boxes as part of an initial pilot initiative, bringing the total number of naloxone access points up to 12 across the area, according to the department.
Since that time, over 5,100 naloxone doses have been distributed to the community, as reported by the department.
Stuart Campbell, the director of the Department of Housing and Human Services, expressed his support for this collaborative effort, stating, “As a crucial resource for residents facing daily hardships, installing this vending machine at our New Design Road location was a logical choice.”
Residents of Frederick will not need to present any form of identification or interact with staff to access naloxone from the vending machine.
The Health Department urges individuals battling addiction to reach out for help by calling or texting 988.
A detailed map highlighting the locations where people can acquire free naloxone is available online.
