New interactive vending machine ‘Health To Go’ debuts in Reading

Penn State College of Medicine has teamed up with the SOS Berks Opioid Coalition to introduce a groundbreaking new initiative – a smart ‘Health To Go’ vending machine. This innovative vending machine, located in the lobby of the YMCA of Reading and Berks County, offers free health, wellness, and personal care items to the public 24/7.

The smart vending machine, the first of its kind in Pennsylvania, features an interactive interface that not only dispenses essential items but also connects users to vital community services. Items available for dispensing include opioid overdose reversal kits, medication disposable bags, personal care items, condoms, and pregnancy tests.

Co-lead investigator Alice Zhang, MD, MPH, expressed excitement about the project, highlighting its potential to provide necessary support to individuals in the community. The vending machine will also collect data on user interactions, helping to improve services and ensure that community needs are met effectively.

Director of Planning and Resource Development for the Council on Chemical Abuse, Marcia Goodman-Hinnershitz, praised the initiative for offering low-barrier access to health and harm reduction products while reducing the stigma associated with drug use.

The strategic placement of the vending machine in an area with a high volume of opioid-related emergencies underscores the commitment of Penn State College of Medicine to address health disparities and public health challenges. By collaborating with community partners like SOS Berks and the YMCA, the College aims to make a positive impact on the well-being of Pennsylvania communities.