Free public health vending machines were installed in front of the West Branch Library in Davis Square. —Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Matthias Gat

As a result of advocacy from At-Large Councilor Kristen Strezo, these new kiosks provide 24/7 access to various health and safety products at no cost.

In November, Somerville’s first public health vending machines were installed in front of the West Branch Library in Davis Square and Project Soup in East Somerville. These kiosks are part of a larger initiative funded by Mosaic Opioid Recovery Partnership, which is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

At these kiosks, people can choose from a variety of health products like condoms, menstrual products, Narcan, sharps containers, diapers, blankets, hats, gloves, and more, all at no cost.

In an update published by the City of Somerville in January, the machines were recorded to have dispensed 940 items within the first eight weeks of installation. Furthermore, 39% of the items dispensed were outside of normal business hours. This statistic highlights the importance of 24/7 access to health services, as it shows that people do need these things, even during odd hours.

In a video uploaded to the Somerville Government YouTube channel discussing the new kiosks, Mayor Jake Wilson said that during a crisis, the vending machines were used to get Narcan, which ended up saving someone’s life.

These kiosks were championed by At-Large Councilor Kristen Strezo. As a Councilor, Strezo consistently advocates for affordable living, social justice, the environment, supporting small businesses, and creating opportunities for local artists.

In the video, Strezo says that she believes that Somerville deserves access to free health products. She emphasizes the importance of addressing period poverty with free menstrual products and pregnancy tests.

In the video, she says that “going without these products” due to lack of accessibility should not be an option.

These machines are open for any person to use, completely anonymous, and most importantly, free. For more information or feedback on the kiosks, you can visit the city government website here.