New Free Public Health Vending Machine at SSM Health Lake Delton Urgent Care

Sauk County, Wis— Public Health Sauk County and SSM Health are excited to announce a life-saving tool in the Lake Delton community: a free public health vending machine inside the SSM Health Lake Delton Urgent Care clinic. The machine offers free Narcan Nasal Spray, Deterra medication disposal kits, and listings of local mental health and substance use resources. These free supplies will be available to all during clinic business hours. This is the second public health vending machine to be installed in Sauk County, with the first located in the entrance of the SSM Health St. Clare Hospital – Baraboo Emergency Room.

“The public health vending machine works just like any other vending machine, except all of the items are free for everyone,” says Hannah Erdman, a Health Educator at Public Health Sauk County, the agency that installed the vending machine. “The purpose is to provide free and easy access to life-saving supplies and resources.”

One of the free items is the vending machine is Narcan Nasal Spray. This over-the-counter medication can reverse an opioid overdose and save a life. “Even people who take their medication as prescribed may overdose,” says Erdman. “Narcan is important to carry with you or have in your home in case of an emergency, especially if opioids are in your home,” she states.

Deterra medication disposal kits are also available in the vending machine. These pouches can be used to properly dispose of unwanted or leftover medication at home. According to Erdman, properly disposing of medication makes our communities safer and our water supply cleaner.

The third item in the vending machine is a resource bag with mental health care, substance use treatment, and recovery resources in Sauk County.

Megan Timm, SSM Health Director of Community Health, states, “The successful vending machine installation at SSM Health St. Clare Hospital – Baraboo highlighted the community’s need for support. Expanding this service to our Lake Delton Urgent Care was an easy decision. Following the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment, substance use remains a top priority for SSM Health St. Clare Hospital – Baraboo. While there is more work to do, this initiative is a huge step forward in supporting our communities.”

Public Health Sauk County purchased the vending machine and supplies with funding from a Wisconsin Department of Health Services grant. Erdman shares that she hopes to secure more grant funds to install these vending machines in other locations in our area. “We are so grateful to SSM Health in Baraboo and Lake Delton for being the first partner to install a Public Health Vending Machine at two locations in Sauk County,” she adds.

About Public Health Sauk County
Public Health Sauk County supports the well-being of all people in our community. Through wellness programs, environmental health initiatives, and a focus on creating systemic change, we cultivate healthier places and people so that Sauk County can thrive. For more information on our programs and services, visit https://www.co.sauk.wi.us/publichealth.

Contact: Hannah Erdman, Health Educator

Public Health Sauk County
(608)-355-4319

Hannah.erdman@saukcountywi.gov

Posted December 9th, 2024.

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