Chippewa County investigating benefits of public health vending machine

Heidi Paxson
·1 min read

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – Chippewa County Public Health is looking to add a public health vending machine. The machine would have Narcan nasal spray, fentanyl test strips, and even drug deactivation kits, feminine hygiene products and hygiene kits… all for free.

The state of Wisconsin was awarded $36 million this year from lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies and opioid manufacturers. $800,000 of it is going towards harm-prevention vending machines.

Staff from Chippewa County Public Health say this vending machine is very needed. CCHD representative, Joanna Bernklau, says, “Data has been showing us that the increase in opioid overdose death is increasing in the community in the state and in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. In 2023, there were 14 overdose deaths just in Chippewa County alone, and so far in 2024, there have been 3.

If the grant is approved for the vending machine in Chippewa Falls, the staff at Chippewa County Public Health says that they should have it up and running by the end of the year.

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