In 2023, Winnebago County was awarded grant funds by the State Department of Health Services to increase availability and accessibility of Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips via vending machine access. There will be two outdoor vending machines: one at the Oshkosh Administration Building and one at the Neenah Human Services Building. The Public Health Vending Machine (PHVM) will be stocked with nasal naloxone, fentanyl test strips, Deterra Drug Deactivation bags, and other public health supplies. The PHVM is a harm reduction strategy that can be used to combat the harmful impact opioids have had on the community.
WCPH would like to feature artwork from a local community member on each machine.
Winnebago County believes recovery for everyone is possible. Part of this belief stems from our core value that each person matters and brings light to our community. We want people struggling with substance use disorder to know they are not alone, we care about them, and we want them to be safe. Decreasing the stigma of substance use disorder is vital to keeping people alive. The design for the PHVM should incorporate these core values along with the additional theme of Harm Reduction Saves Lives.
The submission deadline for designs is June 28. A panel of community partners will begin reviewing submissions on July 11 and the finalist will be announced on July 19 with a tentative unveiling in Fall 2024.
Get more information on the design contest here.
If you have questions, please contact Maddie Breager, Community Health Strategist, at Winnebago County Public Health at mbreager@winnebagocountywi.gov or 920-385-8833.
