REDDING, Calif. — Redding Rancheria Tribal Health System is offering free supplies at all campus vending machines.
Harm reduction vending machines are filled with items such as Narcan, fentanyl and xylazine test strips and needle disposal containers.
“We are building on the tradition of our ancestors in that we need to strive because we are all here and we have a duty to care for everyone. These are just some of the vending machines that are here to help in a time of need,” said Glenn Heyward, executive director of Redding Rancheria Tribal Health Systems.
This vending machine also stocks everyday items such as diapers, protein bars, protein shakes, and hygiene kits. There is one machine on each campus and the necessary supplies are available to everyone free of charge.
Hayward said the machine has been so successful that regular customers are requesting it. Rancheria Tribal Health System does its best to accommodate and rotate requests.
Funded by grants from the tribal health system and Medication Assistance Program, the machines are refilled every two weeks. They are considering expanding to more locations if the program remains as popular as it is now.