The New York City Department of Health on Monday launched a “public health vending machine” aimed at reducing the spread of drug overdoses and disease by distributing safe sex kits, Narcans and drug paraphernalia, according to the New York Post. Announced.

The machine delivers supplies free of charge 24/7 from a base near a supportive housing facility in Brooklyn. according to Go to press release. The machine dispenses a “safer smoking” kit containing a pipe that can be used to smoke crack cocaine or meth, as well as a “safer smoking” kit containing a mouthpiece and lip balm, and a “safer sniffing” kit. according to to the New York Post.

The kit also includes drug overdose treatments such as naloxone.

“Our city is in the midst of an overdose crisis, robbing a fellow New Yorker every three hours, and the leading cause of New York City’s declining life expectancy,” Health Commissioner A. Dr. Shwin Vasan said. Said in a press release. “But we will continue to fight to keep our neighbors and loved ones alive with care, compassion, and action. It’s a revolutionary way to have the tools to save, and we’re going to do whatever it takes to reverse the trend of opioid-related deaths in our city.”

Department of Health Introduces New York City’s First Public Health Vending Machine

The latest tools to reduce stigma and barriers to service in efforts to reduce overdose deaths

Free items include naloxone, safer sex kits and toiletrieshttps://t.co/nmV3X5iowy pic.twitter.com/k6HdIMoRDC

— Dr. Shira Maddad (@syramadad) June 5, 2023

The free distribution of Narcan, used to treat drug overdoses, is part of the city’s plan to reduce overdose deaths by 15% by 2025. There will be 2,668 overdose deaths in New York City in 2021, and most of these deaths are fentanyl-related.

The New York City Department of Health did not respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

All content produced by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent, non-partisan news distribution service, is available free of charge to legitimate news publishers capable of serving large audiences. All reissues must include our company logo, press byline, and DCNF affiliation. If you have any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact us at licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.