Video: Free public health vending machine, first in Oklahoma
TULSA, Okla. — A local nonprofit organization has a new way to help save lives.
Health Outreach Prevention and Education, also known as HOPE, has a new vending machine that sells items like clean syringes, condoms, and the overdose reversing drug, Narcan.
“HOPE’s mission is to help to reduce the community spread of HIV, Hepatitis C and STIs, and so these supplies give folks an opportunity to access prevention supplies,” said Executive Director Taryn Norman.
Alexa Bottoms also works at HOPE. She discussed why these items are so important in our community. “The Connect Vending Marching is Oklahoma’s first public health vending machine. Looking at the rates of S-T-Is and the rates of Hepatitis C in Oklahoma We really wanted to focus our efforts on prevention.”
The vending machine comes from a partnership with the nonprofit organization Oklahoma Harm Reduction Alliance and was funded by Gilead Sciences.
It is legal in Oklahoma to exchange syringes, but not everyone agrees with supplying addicts with clean needles.
Reverend Steve Whitaker runs the Tulsa nonprofit John 3:16. They offer services for people struggling with homelessness, including addiction recovery.
“I have my concerns about that in this very red community, this very conservative community, and is that right for this place at this time,” said Rev. Whitaker.
If you’d like to make a purchase from the vending machine, you must enroll in a program. You must be at least 13-years-old to make a purchase, and parental consent is not needed.
“I feel like that is a little young,” said parent Chris Salazar. He has two children, a 13-year-old and a 6-year-old. Salazar says he has mixed feelings about the machine, but overall, thinks it can save lives.
“I’m also really scared of the fentanyl and all that. I just think it’s a good thing that we have access to a life-saving kit that could maybe save me or you,” said Salazar.
© 2022 Imagicomm Tulsa, LLC. This station is owned by Imagicomm Tulsa, LLC. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Manage Cookie Preferences | Do Not Sell My Information