A new harm reduction vending machine has been installed outside the Polk County Health Department, located at 1907 Carpenter Ave. in Des Moines, to offer free health and safety resources to the community. The vending machine was provided by the Family Planning Council of Iowa and will be available 24/7 to ensure access to life-saving tools and preventive health supplies, a news release said. The vending machine dispenses Narcan (naloxone) to reverse opioid overdoses, emergency contraceptives, birth control, condoms, hygiene kits and gun locks, all at no cost. No ID, payment or registration is required. Through partnering to provide free harm reduction resources, the Family Planning Council of Iowa and Polk County Health Department aim to improve health outcomes for individuals and the community as a whole. “We know that stigma, financial barriers, and accessibility challenges often prevent people from getting the resources they need,” Juliann Van Liew, Polk County Health Department director, said in a statement. “This vending machine is a harm reduction strategy that meets people where they are, providing free and judgment-free access to critical health and safety tools.” For more information, click here.