Public Health Vending Machines Provide Access to Needed Harm-Reduction Supplies

Brookside Adult Shelter in Richmond received the first of six Contra Costa Health harm-reduction vending machines on Jan. 15. Others are planned for Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, Delta Landing Adult Shelter, Oakley Community Center, Mental Health Connections and Safe Organized Spaces headquarters in early 2026.

“Having a public health harm-reduction vending machine at the Contra Costa Health Brookside Shelter means residents now have 24/7 access to essential supplies such as hygiene kits, socks, feminine hygiene products, wound care, safer sex kits, overdose prevention naloxone and fentanyl test strips — all at no cost,” said Jicara Collins, public health clinics administrator. “For many, these items may seem easy to find, but for this population, they’re often out of reach.”

The project spanned more than two years and reflects the collaboration between Contra Costa Health’s Behavioral Health Services and Public Health divisions, OD Free Contra Costa and the HIV Education and Prevention Project of Alameda County.

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