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Hudson now hosts a vending machine providing free harm reduction supplies, aiming to combat the local overdose epidemic. Located at 713 Union Street, the machine operates 24/7, dispensing items such as Naloxone, Fentanyl, and Xylazine test strips. This initiative is a collaboration between Catholic Charities Care Coordination Services, Medication for Addiction Treatment and Electronic Referrals (MATTERS), and the Mental Health Association of Columbia and Greene counties (MHACG).
To access the supplies, individuals must enter an authentication code, their year of birth, and their zip code. The vending machine allows users to take up to three items at a time, free of charge. According to Catholic Charities, this effort is part of a broader strategy to provide life-saving resources to those affected by substance use disorder. Candace Ellis, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Care Coordination Services, emphasized the importance of innovative responses to support individuals who use drugs.
The vending machine is one of 13 MATTERS harm reduction machines installed across New York State, strategically placed in areas heavily impacted by the overdose crisis. MATTERS Network aims to link individuals to treatment and provide harm reduction education through these machines.