MANSFIELD — There are certain things you don’t want to run out of after pharmacies and convenience stores close for the night.
Many of those essentials are now available for free from a public vending machine located outside Richland Public Health (RPH).
RPH unveiled the new vending machine with a brief ribbon cutting ceremony Friday afternoon at 555 Lexington Ave. in Mansfield.
Health commissioner Julie Chaya said the machine was paid for with funds from a regional harm reduction grant.
“This came to us at completely no cost,” Chaya said. “Everything that’s in the machine, we either fund it through other grants that we continuously receive or donations that I aggressively go after.”
Stocked items include pregnancy tests, first aid kits, tampons, menstrual pads, hand sanitizer, travel sized shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, tick removal kits, COVID-19 and flu tests and packages with a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss.
The vending machine also includes potentially lifesaving items like Narcan (which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose), fentanyl test strips and Deterra packets, which allow for the safe disposal of medication. The vending machine is climate controlled so products like Narcan will remain effective throughout the changing seasons.
Chaya said the vending machine is easy to use and available 24/7.
“Everybody should have access to these sorts of things,” Chaya said. “Not everybody has the financial means to afford some of these things.”
Chaya said the department will keep a close eye on the machines and keep them stocked. But if the machine happens to be out, residents enter the building and request the products they need at the front desk.
People who can’t come to the vending machine due to transportation barriers can also access items through the mobile health unit or by calling 419-774-4500.
“We’re willing to mail these things out to you, especially if you have access issues with transportation,” Chaya said. “Our mobile unit is visiting communities throughout Richland County at least once a week and has all of these free resources and more.”
Residents are encouraged to take what they need. Chaya said she’s not concerned about abuse, based on the public’s response to free menstrual product dispensers RPH has installed throughout the county.
“People think, ‘Oh, they’re going to get vandalized and robbed,’” she said. “They really don’t.”
Prenatal vitamins now available for free
The department also announced a new initiative to provide free prenatal vitamins through a partnership with the nonprofit Vitamin Angels.
Women who are pregnant, capable of becoming pregnant or lactating can receive a six month supply of daily prenatal vitamins for free.
Chaya said the department has thousands of bottles available.
“We really want (mother and baby) to develop and grow both happy and healthy together. If somebody doesn’t have the financial means to afford expensive prenatal vitamins, they really don’t have to stress or worry about it,” Chaya said.
“If you have friends and neighbors that are outside of Richland County, we are more than happy to hook them up as well.”
The vitamins are not available in the vending machine. To get a bottle, visit RPH at 555 Lexington Ave. or call 419-774-4500.