New harm reducing vending machine ready for use in Dover

Opioid Epidemic

Dover, De. – Well, harm-reducing vending machines have been popping up all over Delmarva, and Dover has become the newest addition of places on that list.

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services and Brandywine Counseling and Community Services are using the machines to respond to the drug problem in Delaware. Harm Reduction Coordinator Rebecca Urey says she expects most people to use the Naloxone, drug test strips, or hygiene kit. She says anyone can walk up and use the machine, and they only ask for a zip code so they can better serve those communities.

Urey says this is something that truly hits close to home. “I’m in recovery myself; I can disclose that even in my position. To have these kinds of resources, especially as a family member who also has a loved one that suffered with addiction, to have Narcan in your home, and on your person, whenever you need it., people who are out on the street, they want it because their friend next to them they’re using together. So, it’s important to have people that use drugs, to have Narcan.”

Harm Reducing Vending Machines can be found at the Brandywine Counseling Locations at 698 S. Bay Road Dover, DE 19901, or at Pallet Village- 411 Kimmey Street in Georgetown.