Anne Arundel County Introduces Free Health Supply Vending Machines at Two Social Services Locations

Residents of Anne Arundel County will have greater access to potentially lifesaving health supplies through a new partnership between the Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services and the Anne Arundel County Department of Health.

The two agencies have announced the introduction of Health-To-Go vending machines at two Department of Social Services locations, offering residents free, confidential and judgment-free access to essential health and harm-reduction resources.

The vending machines will be located in the lobbies of the following offices:

- 80 West Street

- 7500 Ritchie Highway

According to the agencies, the machines will provide several health and safety supplies at no cost, including naloxone (Narcan), a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses; fentanyl and xylazine test strips; protective face masks; and rapid COVID-19 testing kits.

The initiative is designed to remove barriers to accessing important health supplies while promoting privacy, safety and preventive care.

“Our core mission is to create a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported,” said Rachael Maconachy, Director of the Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services. “These lifesaving vending machines advance that mission by ensuring our residents have immediate, free, and safe access to essential health resources. We are proud and grateful for the partnership with the Anne Arundel County Department of Health; together, we can improve the safety, support, and services to our community members.”

The partnership also reflects a broader effort to make harm-reduction resources more accessible in community settings, particularly for individuals who may otherwise face obstacles when seeking assistance.

Dr. Tonii Gedin, Anne Arundel County Health Officer, emphasized the importance of providing these resources in locations where residents can access them without fear of judgment or stigma.

“Our Health-To-Go vending machines are designed to provide essential, lifesaving resources without judgment or stigma. We are grateful to the Department of Social Services for sharing our vision,” Gedin said. “Working together, we can provide vital harm-reduction supplies in a trusted community space, empowering individuals to stay safe. We want everyone in Anne Arundel County to have the resources they need to make safe choices for themselves and their loved ones.”

By placing the vending machines inside Department of Social Services offices, the agencies aim to create additional opportunities for residents to obtain health supplies discreetly while supporting public health and prevention efforts throughout the county.

The Health-To-Go program is not limited to the two newly announced locations. Residents interested in finding other free Health-To-Go vending machines throughout Anne Arundel County can access the countywide location list at:

https://bit.ly/48wO4yn