Global Vending Group, UT Health, and Be Well Texas to Deploy Naloxone Vending Machines Across Texas
To combat the opioid crisis, Global Vending Group has partnered with UT Health San Antonio and Be Well Texas to bring free naloxone vending machines to communities across Texas. This innovative partnership represents a significant step forward in making life-saving medication accessible 24/7 to anyone who needs it, no questions asked.
A Life-Saving Response to a Critical Need
The partnership came from a serious fact: fentanyl overdose is still the top cause of death for many young adults in the United States. This includes men aged 18 to 42. However, there's hope on the horizon. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that drug overdose deaths are down more than 20% across the country. This is partly because of awareness, harm reduction, and more access to naloxone.
First Deployment: Denton Sets the Standard
The first naloxone vending machine was revealed at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studio in Denton. This was an important moment for Texas.
"Others do exist in the state, but this is our first vending machine we're deploying, so we'll have a total of 112 in Texas that we're deploying all over," said Tara Karns-Wright with Naloxone Texas.
This deployment came after a powerful wake-up call at the venue.
"A young person, 18 years old, experienced an overdose, just took a pill. They didn't know what it was. A patron found them and, luckily, we had Narcan behind the counter, and one of the patrons administered it, and we were able to save that young person's life," said Chad Withers of Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studio.
Advanced Vending Technology for Maximum Accessibility
Unlike converted cigarette machines used in other cities, Global Vending Group's naloxone dispensers are purposely built for this life-saving mission. Chad Withers, the general manager of Rubber Gloves, said that Global Vending Group's machine will be located outside the venue, offering 24-hour access to naloxone for anyone who needs it.
Key Features of Our Naloxone Vending Machines:
- 24/7 Accessibility: No business hours restrictions
- No Cost: Completely free to users
- No Questions Asked: Anonymous access for privacy
- Weather-Resistant: Designed for outdoor placement
- High Capacity: They will stock the Denton vending machine with 300 units of Narcan at a time
- User-Friendly Design: Intuitive operation for emergencies
Understanding Naloxone: The Science Behind the Solution
Naloxone, often called Narcan, is a medicine that quickly reverses an opioid overdose. However, its effects are only temporary. The medication works by attaching itself to opioid receptors and either reversing or blocking the effects of opioids.
Important Safety Information:
- Naloxone works for only 30 to 90 minutes, and many opioids remain in the body longer than that.
- After administering the treatment, the patient still requires emergency medical attention.
- Naloxone will not have any impact on someone who is not having an overdose, and it won't hurt them.
Strategic Partnership: Maximizing Community Impact
Global Vending Group's collaboration with UT Health San Antonio and Be Well Texas leverages expertise in public health initiatives with innovative vending technology. Be Well Texas runs the Naloxone Texas program. This program aims to stop overdoses with medication, distribution, and public awareness.
The partnership benefits from strong funding structures. Texas Targeted Opioid Response, a public health initiative run by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, provides funding for the statewide initiative through a federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Why Businesses Choose Global Vending Group's Naloxone Solutions
Proactive Community Responsibility: "A business having naloxone can be compared to having a fire extinguisher: being prepared, proactive, responsible," Sharon Roland wrote. "Knowing how to save lives and having naloxone protects employees and customers who may encounter an overdose situation."
Strategic Placement Considerations: Naloxone vending machines are ideal for high-traffic areas, entertainment venues, transportation hubs, and community centers where people gather.
"Venues like this are where people come to socialize and hang out, and drugs may be prevalent. We just want to make sure everyone knows some things can be done to help," said Karns-Wright.
The Bigger Picture: Texas Leading National Change
This initiative positions Texas as a leader in innovative harm reduction strategies. "The point is to saturate the community with Narcan, and when it is needed by someone, they know how to use it," Roland said.
With plans to deploy 112 machines across Texas, Global Vending Group is committed to creating a comprehensive safety net that spans urban centers, suburban communities, and rural areas where access to emergency medical care may be limited.
Join the Movement: Bringing Naloxone Vending to Your Community
Global Vending Group is actively seeking partnership opportunities with:
- Healthcare Organizations: Hospitals, clinics, and community health centers
- Educational Institutions: Universities, colleges, and high schools
- Entertainment Venues: Clubs, concert halls, and event spaces
- Transit Authorities: Bus stations, train terminals, and airports
- Retail Locations: Pharmacies, convenience stores, and shopping centers
- Municipal Organizations: City halls, libraries, and community centers
Making a Difference, One Machine at a Time
Every naloxone vending machine represents hope, preparation, and community commitment to saving lives. "We're wanting to offer it not only as a resource but hoping that it stands as a beacon: Don't forget, we don't want you to have to use this machine," Withers said. "Remember, there is a reason why the machine is here."
Together with UT Health San Antonio and Be Well Texas, Global Vending Group is transforming how communities respond to the opioid crisis – one vending machine, one life saved, one community at a time.
About Global Vending Group Global Vending Group specializes in innovative vending solutions that serve critical community needs. Our partnership with healthcare organizations and public health initiatives demonstrates our commitment to using technology for social good.
About UT Health San Antonio UT Health San Antonio is a leading academic health center dedicated to advancing health through excellence in education, research, patient care, and community engagement.
About Be Well Texas: Be Well Texas operates comprehensive public health initiatives across Texas, including the statewide Naloxone Texas program focused on ending overdose through medication distribution and public awareness.