A new community-driven initiative is bringing innovative harm reduction vending machines directly to those who need them most. Weber Human Services and Ogden City Communities That Care has launched a Harm Reduction Vending Machine Project aimed at improving public health and safety across Weber County.
The project will install 10 harm reduction vending machines throughout the county in its first year, offering free, accessible supplies including naloxone kits, fentanyl test strips, hygiene items, safe sex supplies, and resource information for treatment and recovery services.
Each machine will track supply distribution, providing valuable insights into community needs, usage patterns, and trends over time. This data will inform future expansion and help guide prevention and intervention strategies.
Initial machine locations include the Weber County Sheriff’s Office, Ogden Police Department, Weber Human Services, Midtown Community Health Clinic, Lantern House, Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness (USARA), and Seager Memorial Clinic with additional sites planned as the program expands.
“These machines are about meeting people where they are and removing barriers to care,” said David Sekulich, Coalition Coordinator for Ogden City Communities That Care. “By increasing access to life-saving tools and information, we are taking a proactive approach to preventing overdose deaths and supporting recovery.”
The selected locations were chosen for their ability to reach diverse populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, those involved in the justice system, and people accessing healthcare and recovery services.
Project partners anticipate several key outcomes from the project, including increased access to critical resources, reductions in overdose deaths, stronger collaboration between public health and safety organizations, and long-term cost savings through decreased emergency room visits, incarceration, and shelter use.
“This project represents a powerful collaboration across healthcare, public safety, and community organizations,” said Jerika Mays, Executive Director of the Seager Memorial Clinic and project partner. “Together, we are building a healthier and safer Weber County.” As the program rolls out, partners will use early data to evaluate effectiveness, expand to additional locations, and explore sustainable funding models to ensure long-term impact.
