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35th AM (2025) - Poster Session
SHORT STUDY ON HARM REDUCTION VENDING MACHINE UTIL ...
SHORT STUDY ON HARM REDUCTION VENDING MACHINE UTILIZATION TRENDS ON TWO LOCATIONS
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Pdf Summary
This observational study examines utilization trends of harm reduction vending machines (HRVMs) placed in two distinct locations in Cuyahoga County, Ohio—a county hospital emergency room (MetroHealth Medical Center) and the Cuyahoga County Justice Center. Ohio faces a severe drug overdose crisis, with overdose deaths reaching 5,397 in 2021 statewide and 435 unintentional overdose deaths in Cuyahoga County in 2024. Fentanyl and its analogues accounted for 74% of overdose deaths, highlighting critical needs for harm reduction efforts. Overdose deaths in incarceration settings have risen substantially, especially among individuals recently released due to lowered drug tolerance.<br /><br />Between October 2024 and March 2025, 1,337 items were dispensed from both HRVMs. More items were dispensed at the Justice Center (54%) than at the hospital (46%). Narcan was the most commonly retrieved item overall. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between vending machine location and the types of items dispensed. Fentanyl test strips were vended more frequently at the Justice Center, while safe sex kits were obtained more often at the hospital ER.<br /><br />The findings suggest that location-based factors influence the needs and behaviors of HRVM users. Justice Center users likely include individuals with known substance use histories who understand overdose risks, motivating greater use of fentanyl test strips. Emergency room vending machines serve a broader population with diverse health needs, perhaps explaining the higher demand for safe sex kits. The anonymous, user-friendly design of these machines likely aids their utilization despite potential legal concerns.<br /><br />Tailoring HRVM contents to the specific populations at different sites can increase accessibility and enhance harm reduction impact. This targeted approach is especially important given the ongoing opioid crisis and heightened overdose risk post-incarceration. HRVMs represent a promising tool to reduce opioid-related harms in varied community settings.
Keywords
harm reduction vending machines
Cuyahoga County
opioid crisis
overdose deaths
fentanyl test strips
Narcan
justice center
hospital emergency room
substance use
post-incarceration risk
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