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