"Access to Health at Your Fingertips - Omaha's Health Vending Machines"

Locations and Installation

The Siena Francis House is one of the five locations where the Douglas County Health Department has installed these health vending machines. These machines can be found at various places across Omaha, including the Douglas County Health Department, American Dream bar, Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition, Charles B. Washington Library, and the Siena Francis House emergency shelter. Four of the machines are currently placed outdoors, while the one at Siena Francis House is awaiting an outside electricity hookup. They were installed last week with no marketing or promotion.

These machines offer a diverse range of items such as STI test kids, COVID test kits, condoms, lubricant, pregnancy tests, tampons, pads, wound care kits, emergency contraceptive, and fentanyl test strips. It's truly a one-stop solution for many health needs.

Access and Convenience

One of the most significant aspects of these health vending machines is their accessibility. People can return items like STI test kits directly to the vending machine, and the health department will collect them the next day. There is no need to provide a name, and the machine tracks demographic data such as zip code, age, race, ethnicity, and gender.

This provides a convenient way for people to access essential health products without the hassle of going through traditional channels. It's just one more avenue where the health department is meeting people where they are.

Impact and Usage

In just the first six days since the installation, about 120 items have reached the hands of those who need them. This shows the immediate demand and the positive impact these machines are having.

Chris Bauer, the chief development officer with Siena Francis House, is proud of the fact that these tools are available. He hopes that it will inspire people to think about their health and take steps to change. Leah Casanave, leading the charge on this project with the health department, believes that this is a significant step towards making health accessible for everyone.

The vending machines are funded through grants and private donations, ensuring that no taxpayer dollars are used. The money they have is expected to last for five years, and after that, the health department will seek further funding to keep this initiative going.