Health to Go Vending Machine Two-Year Celebration

The SOS Berks Coalition and Penn State College of Medicine recently hosted a two-year celebration of the Reading Health to Go Vending Machine with an open house at the Reading YMCA where the machine is located. During the event, community members had the opportunity to enjoy snacks while testing out the machine and reading posters with data about items dispensed over the past two years.

During the event, organizers presented a certificate of appreciation to John George of the YMCA, who voluntarily helps to maintain, stock and troubleshoot the vending machine.

The machine provides wellness supplies at no cost to the community. Among the items available are Narcan nasal spray, medication disposal bags, shower and personal care kits, wound care items, pregnancy tests and more. It is a smart machine, with a large touch screen that enables users to look up area services, such as food pantries, treatment providers, and support services. Users answer optional survey questions, which helps researchers better understand who is using the machine and what additional items might be beneficial to include in the future.

Health To Go is a community-based vending machine that dispenses wellness items for free and connects people to community services. SOS Berks has partnered with Penn State College of Medicine, the Reading YMCA and the Council on Chemical Abuse to bring the Health To Go vending machine to Berks County

Photos from the celebration

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