COLUMBUS – Fentanyl test strips, Naloxone, condoms and other products are available free of charge from a new “harm-reduction vending machine” called the “FCMC Safety Station” at the Franklin County Municipal Court.
The machine, located on the 6th floor of the courthouse at 375 S. High Street, dispenses products that can reduce drug overdose deaths and sexually transmitted diseases, thanks to a grant from the Columbus Public Health.
The machine is stocked with fentanyl test strips, Naloxone nasal spray, which can reverse an opioid overdose, condoms, and pregnancy test kits. Up to five items are available at one time.
To obtain the free items, residents must check in at the nearby MARCH office, answer a few demographic questions and provide an ID that can be used to make their selections.
The demographic information collected does not include any personal identifying details and is strictly confidential.
All courthouse visitors are eligible.
The aim is to assist not only those battling addiction but also to equip families with the means to safeguard their loved ones, court officials said.
The MARCH Program is a court-sponsored onsite resource center that links residents to Medical Assisted Treatment, Assessments, Referrals, Collaboration, and Hope.
The center is open and available to give machine codes Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.