Vending Machines Dispense Needles and Narcan to Combat Overdoses

North Adams, Massachusetts, has introduced a harm reduction vending machine that dispenses clean syringes, Narcan, and other drug-use supplies to combat the opioid crisis. While some items are freely available, others require a code from a local clinic. The initiative aims to reduce overdose deaths and the spread of diseases, despite some community resistance. Research suggests such machines can effectively lower overdose rates and improve public health outcomes.