Discover Grand Chute’s New 24/7 Public Health Vending Machine: Your Go-To Resource for Safety Essentials!

New Public Health Vending Machine in Grand Chute

Grand Chute’s latest public health initiative is a vending machine filled with essential health items. Located at Fire Station #2 on Spencer Street, this machine is unique as it’s the first outdoor vending option in Outagamie County. Starting this week, anyone can access a variety of items, all for free and anonymously—simply provide a zip code to use it.

Kelly Hanink, the assistant chief of community risk reduction, shared that this machine is available 24/7, unlike the other two vending machines in the county, which are only accessible during business hours at the Police Department and the County Government Center.

Hanink emphasized the machine’s strategic location, noting its visibility to foot and bike traffic, as well as a nearby bus line, making it a convenient resource for the community.

The contents of the machine include Narcan, fentanyl test strips, gun locks, medication organization kits, basic first aid kits, smoke alarms, and COVID-19 tests. These items aim to promote safety and health within the community.

"We want to offer a variety of resources to address different needs," Hanink said. While they currently have multiple items, the team is seeking more grants and community donations to expand the offerings.

Recent data shows that the vending machine at the County Government Center has dispensed nearly 3,000 items since late March 2024. This initiative is part of a broader trend in Northeast Wisconsin, where public health vending machines have been popping up in areas like Winnebago, Waupaca, and Manitowoc counties.

Public health experts have pointed out that easy access to health resources can significantly reduce preventable health crises. As awareness grows, community members are encouraged to utilize these free resources, helping to create a healthier environment for everyone.

For more information on public health initiatives, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

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