The NWT government has launched a three-year project for residents to privately access free health and harm reduction supplies.
In partnership with Reach Nexus at St Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, the territory is installing Our Healthbox machines in Behchokǫ̀ and Hay River, with more expected to be placed in Inuvik and Yellowknife in the coming weeks.
The vending machines offer supplies like HIV self-test kits, pregnancy tests, condoms, naloxone, drug testing kits, and other health and wellness resources.
According to a Thursday news release, the contents will be tailored to each community and regularly updated based on data and feedback. No identification or appointment is required to access the products.
“This initiative is designed to reduce barriers by placing essential health supplies in easily accessible locations,” the news release stated.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
“It supports the GNWT’s public health response to challenges such as the syphilis outbreak, illicit drug poisoning, and barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health supplies.”
Moreover, the machines will “provide vital health information and a service directory to help people connect with local healthcare support services,” while also promoting 811 – the NWT’s 24-hour line for non-urgent questions – as a source of advice on using the supplies or receiving referrals to in-person care.
The machines are already in use in 15 other communities across Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and New Brunswick, the GNWT stated.
“Our Healthbox is one way we’re responding to serious public health issues in the NWT, including the syphilis outbreak, illicit drug poisoning, and the lack of access to essential health supplies without stigma or barriers,” health minister Lesa Semmler was quoted as saying.
“Everyone should be able to take care of their health in a way that feels safe, private, and respectful. This initiative meets people where they are and helps remove the barriers that stand in their way.”
