RACINE – The transit system breaks barriers to access and offers hope and help around the clock.

In response to the rising number of opioid-related overdose deaths, the City of Racine Public Health Department has launched its first public health vending machine (PHVM).

Located within the Corinne Reid Owens Transit Center at 1409 State St., the machine offers free, life-saving, harm-reduction supplies, including Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal medication. The Narcan Hope Kits also contain a CPR mask, fentanyl testing strips, information about how to use the items, and information about drug abuse services.

“This initiative aims to increase access to essential harm reduction resources in areas disproportionately affected by overdose deaths,” stated Dottie-Kay Bowersox, Public Health Officer for the City of Racine.

Bowersox said the city paid for the vending machine with a $50,000 grant from the State of Wisconsin, which received the funds from the opioid settlement from the prescription drug manufacturers.

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