NRGH will be one of three Island Health hospitals to receive a Care and Connection Kiosk, for those seeking discrete care. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

life-saving care

Free harm reduction & first aid vending machine coming to Nanaimo hospital

Oct 19, 2023 | 11:52 AM

NANAIMO — It’s set to be a lot easier to obtain potentially life-saving medical supplies from local hospitals.

Island Health is installing “Care and Connection Kiosks” at three Island facilities, including Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. The kiosks dispense wound care supplies, Naloxone kits, take-home drug testing strips, syringes, safe disposal containers and condoms free of charge.

All the items are in discreet packaging, removing potential barriers and stigma some experience while seeking care.

“We know that shame and blame can keep people who use drugs from asking for help and not accessing the means they need to stay safer – which can often be fatal,” Jennifer Whiteside, minister for mental health and addictions, said in a statement.

The machines are scheduled to be installed in late October.

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They will operate 24/7 at hospitals in Nanaimo, Campbell River and Victoria and are seen as an alternative for people who visit emergency departments seeking similar supplies.

Island Health noted the items contained in the machines are among the most requested by patients visiting ER’s.

Also included in the kiosks will be information on substance use treatment, mental health supports and local resources.

New staff at each site will ensure the kiosks are stocked and the surrounding area is kept safe and clean. Island Health noted hospital staff will also offer peer support for those seeking care for substance use, who may have shied away in the past.

“We’re missing a real target group, people working in trades, primarily men, who don’t want to be associated with harm reduction services because they worry they could be seen and then lose their job,” Andy Speck, a peer support worker in Campbell River said. “Having a kiosk like this is amazing and will absolutely save lives.”

Data from previous installations around the world shows similar kiosks have helped reduce overdose rates, HIV and Hepatitis C infections, as well as increased Naloxone kits in a community.

The greater Nanaimo region this year has already shattered its record, set last year, for deaths linked to drug toxicity. Oceanside is on pace to set a new, tragic, high mark as well.

A rendering of the new kiosks to be deployed at hospitals in Nanaimo, Victoria and Campbell River. The machines dispense potentially life-saving supplies. (Island Health)

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