Fresno State launched a wellness-to-go vending machine on Oct. 8, offering free or low-cost health and hygiene supplies, including harm-reduction products, addressing the needs of its students. Since its soft launch, the machine has recorded over 800 transactions, emphasizing its significant impact on campus health accessibility.
On October 8, Fresno State unveiled a groundbreaking wellness-to-go vending machine in the Resnick Student Union, marking a momentous step towards enhancing health access for the student body. This innovative vending solution stands alone in Fresno County, offering enrolled students an array of essential health and hygiene products. From over-the-counter medications to menstrual kits, Chapstick, deodorant, at-home Covid tests, and harm-reduction tools such as Narcan and fentanyl test strips, the vending machine caters to diverse health needs. While many of these items are freely available, some can be purchased at a minimal cost, ensuring improved access for all students. Since its soft launch on September 16, the vending machine has been met with remarkable enthusiasm, achieving over 800 transactions, with 333 of those occurring during the pharmacy’s off-hours. “The high usage demonstrates the machine’s immediate impact in providing essential health and wellness supplies to the campus community,” stated Alicia Nelson, director of wellness services. Funding for this initiative came from Anthem Blue Cross through the Central Valley Opioid Safety Coalition, and also involved partnerships with the Fresno Madera Medical Society. In collaboration, Associated Students, Inc., and the Student Health and Counseling Center contributed resources to offer these vital hygiene and harm-reduction products at no charge. The inclusion of harm-reduction products aims to create a safer environment for students, who can access items without any weekly limit—showing a clear commitment to health and safety at Fresno State. As Robert Mitchell, director of medical services observed, “This annex of our pharmacy with the wellness-to-go vending machine emphasizes the importance of additional access to resources beyond the hours they can acquire them in the pharmacy of the Student Health and Counseling Center.” Fresno State’s wellness-to-go vending machine is not just a mere convenience; it’s a lifeline for students navigating the complexities of health and wellbeing in an often overwhelming world.
Recognizing the vital need for accessible health supplies, Fresno State has taken a pioneering step by launching the wellness-to-go vending machine. Located within the bustling Student Union, this machine emerges as a beacon of support, offering an array of health supplies to bolster student success and wellbeing. In light of rising health concerns among college students, particularly challenges related to hygiene and substance use, this initiative aims to bridge the gap and promote comprehensive health resources within the campus community.
The launch of the wellness-to-go vending machine at Fresno State represents a significant leap towards fostering student health and well-being. By providing free or low-cost access to essential health and hygiene items, including critical harm-reduction products, the initiative demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the safety and wellness of the student population. As demand continues to grow, the impact of this machine echoes throughout the campus, proving that innovation can indeed light the path to wellness.
Original Source: www.fresnostatenews.com
