As part of its ongoing public health efforts, Allentown has placed its first public health vending machine in the city.

This machine, which offers city residents free, confidential and 24-hour access to essential health and safety supplies, is at The Lehigh Conference of Churches at 457 W. Allen St. The vending machine offers the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone, wound care kits, reproductive and sexual health kits, hygiene supplies, first-aid supplies and educational materials.

In the future, these vending machines also will be stocked with menstrual products, including pads and tampons, with space reserved for toothbrushes and other hygiene products based on community needs.

According to a news release, these public health vending machines are part of the city’s Substance Use Task Force’s efforts to provide improved community health access and reduce barriers to health care.

By placing these blue and pink machines in trusted, easy-to-access locations and providing instructions in English and Spanish, the city is trying to address public health problems faced by residents. More vending machines will be placed throughout the city.

Funding for the vending machines comes from opioid settlement funds. The Allentown Health Bureau is also accepting donations of menstrual products. Disposable sanitary supplies can be purchased through Amazon and shipped directly to the Health Bureau or dropped off in person at the Allentown Health Bureau at 245 N. 6th Street. For questions, call 610-437-7760.

https://www.mcall.com/2025/09/05/allentown-public-health-vending-machines/