A new harm reduction vending machine has been installed outside the Polk County Health Department to offer free health and safety resources to the community. The vending machine was provided by the Family Planning Council of Iowa. It will be available 24/7 to ensure simple access to life-saving tools and preventive health supplies.
All items are available at no cost. No ID, payment, or registration is required.
The vending machine is located at 1907 Carpenter Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314.
Find out more about items available in the harm reduction vending machine below!
Can’t get to the vending machine but still need supplies? Request a KISS Kit 💋 shipped to you for free!
Naloxone (Narcan)
Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of a drug overdose caused by opioids. Each box in this machine contains two single-use doses of Naloxone. The drug is administered nasally via a spray, but the person does not need to be breathing for it to work; it will be absorbed in the nose. Naloxone will stabilize someone who has overdosed, but you should still call 911 and get them medical treatment!
Watch the video below to learn how to use Naloxone nasal spray.
Emergency Contraception (Plan B)
Emergency contraception (EC) is an over-the-counter pill that prevents pregnancy by delaying ovulation. It does not interfere with an existing pregnancy. Our vending machine offers levonorgestrel EC, commonly marketed as Plan B. It works best when taken within 72 hours (3 days) after sex but can be taken up to 5 days after. It’s best to take it as early as possible. Plan B is less effective in individuals over 165lbs.
Depending on supply, we may stock the machine with different brands of emergency contraception such as Julie.
Other forms of EC include ella (ulipristal) and IUDs. Both are more effective in individuals over 165lbs but require a prescription or clinic visit. Learn more about the different types of EC below!
Opill
Opill is the first FDA-approved over the counter birth control pill! It is an estrogen-free, progestin-only daily pill and is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy when used as directed.
The vending machine has boxes with a one month supply of Opill and boxes with a three month supply of Opill, so double check which one you are getting!
Sharps Disposal Container
It’s important to safely dispose of used needles and syringes after each use. Our sharps disposal kits hold used needles in a safe way so they can’t stick you or anyone else. You can dispose of full sharps containers at the red sharps disposal unit outside of the Polk County Health Department.
Internal (female) Condoms
Internal condoms, also known as female condoms, and are inserted into the vagina or anus before sex. They are effective at preventing pregnancy and the spread of STIs! These condoms are latex-free!
Dental Dams
Dental dams can be used during oral sex by creating a barrier between the mouth and the vagina or anus to help prevent the spread of STIs. The GREEN dental dams contain latex, and the BLUE dental dams are latex-free.
Gun Lock
A gun lock is an essential safety measure for all gun owners. This lock attaches to a gun to keep it from firing.
Hygiene Kit
Hygiene kits come with soap, toothpaste, a toothbrush, and a comb.
Needle Cleaning Kits
These harm reduction kits come with a bottle of bleach that can be used to sterilize needles.
Check out these other amazing community resources:
University of Iowa Addiction and Recovery Collaborative (ARC)
Steps of Hope: A Community of Support and Encouragement for Those Impacted by Substance Use Disorder