In Phoenix, a recently installed vending machine offers more than just snacks and candy – it has what supports are saying the potential to save lives.

A Narcan vending machine, filled with opioid reversal medication, was recently introduced by Valle del Sol. Elizabeth Moyer, director of the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Services at Valle Del Sol, believes offering the life-saving drug in either nasal spray or injectable form, free of charge can save lives.

The clinic, located at 1209 S. First Avenue in downtown Phoenix offers the first vending machine of its kind in the state.

For access to the machine, there are no questions asked and no need for a name or money. Simply come in, retrieve the item, and keep it with you for future use.

According to the organization offering the medicine, maintaining anonymity is crucial because of the negative connotation attached to substance use.

Anyone in need has the ability to enter the agency, access the machine, and leave without the need to communicate with anyone or disclose personal information.

It may be a deterrent to individuals who are seeking harm reduction practices, such as having Narcan kits, due to concerns about protecting their identity when addressing addiction. Therefore, it is important to prioritize safeguarding anonymity when addressing addiction.

Organizers feel with the drug epidemic that is plaguing our country, access to Narcan plays a vital role in saving lives and strongly encourages residents to obtain and keep a supply readily available should a need arise.

Photo Credit: https://upnorthlive.com/