Eau Claire Officials Share Harm Reduction Vending Machine Data

EAU CLAIRE, Wis (WCFW) – Eau Claire City-County Health Department officials are highlighting the success of their harm reduction vending machine after two years.

According to a social media post on Tuesday, the harm reduction vending machine has now been available at the Eau Claire County Jail for two years. In that two years, it has dispensed 3,748 doses of Narcan and 988 fentanyl test kits.

Fentanyl test kits are used to help people struggling with addiction minimize the potential risk of an accidental overdose. Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when administered.

In addition to those potentially life-saving tools, the vending machines also frequently include things like common hygiene items and gun locks. The Eau Claire County Jail vending machine also now features drug deactivation bags, as well as a nearby sharps disposal box and medication disposal box.

The harm reduction vending machines have become increasingly common across the state over recent years. In November, Ashland County officials even began seeking funding sources to add another vending machine after seeing a dramatic decrease in the number of overdose calls authorities were responding to. Dunn and Chippewa Counties have also seen a drop in opioid overdoses since the installation of harm reduction vending machines.

In addition to the vending machine, the Eau Claire City-County Health Department website also features an opioid data dashboard. The dashboard tracks opioid activity in the area to better inform lawmakers and law enforcement authorities. Residents can also access information on the effects of opioid use and other resources available in the region.