Townhall II Offers Free Harm Reduction Vending Machine In Kent

Townhall II Integrated Health Network now offers free harm reduction supplies from a vending machine in it’s Kent office lobby, located at 155 N. Water St., in downtown Kent.

Supplies featured include Naloxone (Narcan), Fentanyl test strips, Deterra drug deactivation and disposal kits, condoms, pregnancy tests, first aid kits and hygiene kits. The vending machine is funded by the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County.

“We feel it is important our community has access to items such as these,” says John Garrity, Ph.D., executive director of the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County. “In the case of Narcan and Fentanyl test strips, these items can literally save lives. The board is happy to partner with Townhall II on this project.”

Mamie Sawyer-Brewer, registered nurse for Townhall II’s Medicine-Assisted Treatment Clinic, spearheaded the concept of bringing the harm reduction vending machine to Portage County.

“I have 20 years of experience in public health and am a firm believer in harm reduction and street outreach,” she says. “Harm reduction is a health promotion strategy that works and saves lives and Townhall II embraces that. This is just another positive way we are supporting the health and well-being of the residents of Portage County.”

Sawyer-Brewer says she saw that Huron County had a harm-reduction vending machine and thought it was a great idea to bring one to Portage County.

“This is what we want,” says Tamera Hunter, CEO of Townhall II. “We want people walking through our doors and getting free access to items that can really help them. This is our mission and vision, to ensure our citizens have the support, resources and skills to achieve and sustain optimum health and wellness.”

The vending machine is available when the lobby is open, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. People will just need to plug in code “155” when choosing their items. No questions will be asked of individuals using the machine.

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Townhall II is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit, charitable agency providing integrated health services to Portage County, Ohio and the surrounding areas. The agency, incorporated in 1971, promotes the health, wellness and recovery of individuals and communities through prevention, education, advocacy intervention and treatment. As a part of its services, the agency runs a 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week Crisis Helpline at 330-678-HELP (4357), and is the designated helpline for the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline in Portage County.

Townhall II is accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, The American Association of Suicidology and The Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services. The agency is supported by The Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County, The Ohio Council of Behavioral Health & Family Services Providers and United Way of Portage County.

Learn more about Townhall II and the services it provides at www.townhall2.com.