ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Residents of Allentown will now have access to free 24/7 essential health and safety supplies through a vending machine.
The City of Allentown has launched its first Public Health Vending Machine, offering residents free, confidential, and round-the-clock access to lifesaving and essential care supplies, according to the press release.
The first machine is located at The Lehigh Conference of Churches, 457 W. Allen Street, Allentown, PA, and is now fully stocked and open to the public.
A second location will be announced soon, according to Allentown officials.
The machine is painted in bright navy blue and pink for visibility and equipped with English and Spanish instructions, the press release details.
Courtesy of the City of Allentown
Items available in the machine include:
Naloxone (opioid overdose reversal medication)Wound care kitsReproductive and sexual health kitsHygiene and first-aid suppliesEducational materials
The machines will soon be stocked with menstrual products, including pads and tampons, with space reserved for toothbrushes and other hygiene products based on community needs, officials say.
This initiative is part of the City’s Substance Use Task Force, which is working to expand community health support and reduce barriers to care, the press release says.
Funding for the vending machines comes from opioid settlement funds. The Allentown Health Bureau is also accepting donations of menstrual products.
Disposable sanitary supplies can be purchased through Amazon and shipped directly to the Health Bureau or dropped off in person at the Allentown Health Bureau at 245 N. 6th Street. For questions, you can call 610-437-7760.