Test kits instead of soda

WAUPACA – The Waupaca County Department of Public Health (DPH) has put out two new free community resources in Waupaca County. Public Health Vending Machines (PHVM) offer free access to items that will help promote health, safety, and well-being in the community. Items available in the PHVM includes: nasal Naloxone (brand name NARCAN®), Fentanyl test strips, gun locks, first aid kits, COVID-19 at-home test kits, tick kits, and condoms. One PHVM is located in the city of Waupaca on the first floor of the Waupaca County Courthouse at 811 Harding St. and a second is located in Clintonville in the entryway of the Compassionate Connections Center at 143 S. Main St.
Jed Wohlt, Health Officer for Waupaca County DPH, said “In 2022 we surveyed the community as part of our Community Health Assessment (CHA) and in 2023 we released the latest Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). Based on the responses from our community, DPH identified three priority areas to focus on for the next three years – mental health, substance use, and access to care. The PHVM is an evidence-based solution that helps us to address all three of the priority areas highlighted by our community members.”
Many individuals do not seek assistance or services for mental health or substance use concerns. By providing low-barrier anonymous access, the PHVM offers health and safety items for all people living in or visiting Waupaca County. Instructions to access the machine are available via QR code on each of the PHVMs or via the Waupaca County DPH website.
DPH was awarded $50,000 in grant funds from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to pay for both of the PHVMs. The grant money comes from the state’s $400 million opioid settlement.