The Wicomico County Health Department is proud to announce the installation of five harm reduction vending machines throughout Wicomico County as part of its ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. This public health initiative is made possible through funding from Maryland’s Opioid Restitution Fund.
The vending machines provide free access to essential harm reduction supplies, including naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl test strips, and xylazine test strips with a goal of incorporating other harm reduction supplies in the future. The machines are designed to expand access to resources, reduce barriers and reduce stigma associated with harm reduction health care resources for individuals who use drugs, their families or support systems, and the broader community. “Harm reduction is about meeting people with compassion, not judgment. These machines are more than a source of supplies—they’re a symbol of our community’s commitment to care, connection, and second chances,” said Kathryn Fiddler, DNP, MBA, RN, FNAP, Vice President Population Health, TidalHealth.
Hosting locations include:
- Deer’s Head Hospital Center: 351 Deer’s Head Hospital Rd. (outdoor 24/7 access)
- Lower Shore Friends: 207 Maryland Ave.; Suite 5
- TidalHealth Outpatient Behavioral Health: 200 Vine St. (outdoor 24/7 access)
- Wicomico County Library- Sarbanes Branch: 122 S. Division St. (outdoor 24/7 access)
- Wor-Wic Community College: 32000 Campus Dr. (Hazel Center)
“We are committed to reducing the harm associated with substance use and saving lives,” said Jessica Sexauer, Deputy Health Officer for Wicomico County. “The vending machines will allow us to meet people where they are, while providing stigma-free access to tools that can prevent fatal overdoses and support healthier communities.”
The harm reduction vending machines in Wicomico County are part of a broader statewide effort to use opioid settlement funds to reduce overdose deaths and build sustainable, community-based responses to the opioid crisis through prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery supports. All services provided through the machines are confidential, and available to anyone. “We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the health department to bring these types of service to our students. As an institution that educates many of our first responders, we understand how vital these supplies can be. We look forward to future collaborations to provide resources and services to our students,” said Dr. Michael Hutmaker, Vice President for Student Affairs, Wor-Wic Community College.
For general information on opioid misuse and resources go to wicomicohealth.org or find us on Facebook and Instagram (WicomicoHealth).
The Salisbury LIbrary is TOAST. Like the smell of pee and pot from the creepy homeless trash living downtown? You’re going to love the tweaking meth and opioid freaks hanging around in front of the Narcan dispensers.
People on drugs do not need “harm reductions” they do not need clean needles. They need rehab. They need there to not be drugs around them.
Predict there will be a rape, shooting, or a child molester case at the public library within six months.
What about food and housing for the truly needy homeless?