New Vending Machine at Paulding County Health Department Offers 24/7 Access to Lifesaving & Public Health Supplies

By: Angel Steiner

The Paulding County Health Department, led by Brandi Schrader, Environmental Health Director and Deputy Health Commissioner, has launched a new public health vending machine aimed at expanding access to lifesaving and harm-reduction supplies for residents. The project is part of the Harm Reduction Expansion Grant operated regionally through Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, which serves 19 counties across northwest Ohio.

The vending machine—installed just outside on the health department property and available 24 hours a day—is completely free and anonymous to use. No money, ID, or registration is required.

A primary goal of the regional grant is to expand access to naloxone, the medication that reverses opioid overdoses. Naloxone is extremely effective, easy to administer, and safe even if given to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose.

“There’s absolutely no liability for anyone who administers naloxone in an emergency,” Mahjida Barryman, of the Harm Reduction department at Toledo-Lucas County HD explained, noting that Ohio’s Good Samaritan Law protects those who call 911 or provide overdose assistance. “Naloxone is completely legal to carry, and it cannot harm someone who doesn’t need it.”

While some people fear the medication could be misused or hoarded, health officials say that has not been the case. Toledo has nine machines operating without issues. “There’s no street value for naloxone. People take what they need, and move on,” the Barryman stated.

The drug is not limited to those using illegal substances — many overdose emergencies involve prescription opioids, such as fentanyl patches or post-surgery medications. 

Along with naloxone, the vending machine offers a variety of free health and safety supplies, including:

Digital thermometers, COVID-19 test kits, Medication disposal bags (Deterra) for neutralizing old prescriptions, Weather-safety kits (ponchos, sunscreen, hand warmers), Hygiene kits and Safe-sex kits (supplied through Allen County’s HIV and syphilis prevention funding).

The supplies are restocked using multiple funding streams, including state and federal grants, Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone), and regional harm-reduction partnerships.

While Toledo distributes more than 18,000 naloxone kits a year, smaller counties often face unique rural barriers. The vending machine model helps bridge gaps in access, allowing residents to obtain supplies privately and at any time.

Barryman praised Paulding County’s willingness to participate. “The more tools we can provide, the more lives we can save,” they said. “Harm reduction isn’t about condoning drug use—it’s about keeping people alive long enough to recover.”

The vending machine is now fully operational at the Paulding County Health Department and available around the clock.

For more information about naloxone or harm-reduction services, residents may contact the Paulding County Health Department at 419-399-3921, 800 E Perry St., Paulding or visit the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department’s naloxone resource page.