OCHD launches first public health vending machine

ONEIDA COUNTY – The Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) recently announced the launch of its first public health vending machine.

The machine provides free health and safety supplies to residents and visitors in the area.

“The public health vending machine offers a variety of essential health and wellness supplies at no cost,” OCHD explained in a release. “Available items include hygiene kits, laundry kits, menstrual kits, adult and children’s dental kits, gunlocks, Deterra® drug deactivation bags, condoms, first aid kits, nail care kits, socks and seasonal items, such as summer wellness kits and tick removal kits. “

The vending machine is located outside OCHD and the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Oneida County at 100 W. Keenan St., Rhinelander, under the rear awning. OCHD said the location was chosen to make the supplies easy to access. The machine is available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Providing these supplies for free helps remove cost barriers that may prevent individuals and families from getting important health and safety resources, according to OCHD.

“Public health vending machines are becoming more common across Wisconsin and the nation,” OCHD stated. “Communities are using them as a simple way to make health resources easier to access. These machines provide essential supplies in a convenient, private and welcoming way.”

OCHD said it would like to thank the community partners who helped make this project possible.

“Acacia Lane Dental generously donated children’s dental kits,” OCHD said. “The Rhinelander Police Department and the Iron Mountain VA donated gunlocks to help promote safe firearm storage in the community. These contributions reflect our community’s shared commitment to promoting health, safety, and access to essential resources for all.”

Ongoing community support and donations will help keep the vending machine stocked and available to those who need these supplies, OCHD noted.

For more information about the public health vending machine or how to support this effort, call OCHD at 715-369-6111.