Frederick County Fire & Rescue Installs 24/7 Harm Reduction Vending Machine in Frederick Health Emergency Department

Frederick Health and Frederick County Fire & Rescue have partnered to install a 24/7 harm reduction vending machine in Frederick Health’s Emergency Department, expanding equitable access to lifesaving and stigma-reducing resources for the community. 

The vending machine, available to the public at no cost and without the need for a prescription, will dispense a range of harm reduction and personal care items, including: 

Located near the Emergency Department entrance, the machine is open to the public throughout all hours of the day, seven days a week. Visitors can obtain items free of charge and without speaking to hospital or security staff for increased anonymity and dignity. 

“No prescription, no cost, and no questions asked,” Jeb Gibson, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Frederick Health, said. “Emergency Department patients facing substance or financial issues can be hesitant to ask for help. This machine helps us meet people where they are and gives everyone in our community access to life-saving resources without barriers.”  

The addition of this machine comes as Frederick County continues to combat public health challenges, including opioid overdoses, xylazine-laced substances, and rising rates of sexually transmitted infections. Xylazine, a sedative not reversed by naloxone, continues to appear in the illicit drug supply.  

In the past year, Frederick Health’s Emergency Department received 77 visits for opioid overdose and administered naloxone to over 5,120 patients. In that same time frame, fentanyl was involved in nearly three-quarters of all overdose deaths across Maryland. 

“As a community hospital, we see firsthand how the opioid epidemic and related public health crises affect our patients and families,” said Jamie White, Chief Nursing Officer at Frederick Health. “This partnership reinforces our goal to provide accessible, compassionate, and evidence-based care that supports everyone in our community without judgement.” 

Studies have shown that harm reduction vending machines save lives and strengthen public health outcomes. According to the National Institutes of Health, communities that introduced vending machines distributing naloxone reported immediate reductions in opioid-involved overdose deaths. 

“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to saving lives and reducing stigma around addiction,” said Michael Cole, EMS Battalion Chief.  

The vending machine will be maintained and restocked by the Frederick County Fire & Rescue. Beyond overdose prevention, the machine at Frederick Health also promotes sexual and reproductive health, reduced disease transmission, and signals accessibility for all who seek care.  

About Frederick County Fire & Rescue 

The Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services (FCDFRS) serves as the all-hazards emergency response agency for Frederick County, Maryland—covering more than 660 square miles and protecting over 270,000 residents. Operating as a combination system, comprised of both career personnel and volunteer members, they respond to more than 40,000 calls annually, providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials mitigation, water rescue, fire prevention, and life safety education. Guided by its mission to “safely provide Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services while educating, reducing risk, and protecting our community,” FCDFRS maintains a strong focus on operational readiness, responder health and safety, and community risk reduction. The division continues to evolve through improved staffing models, expanded Advanced Life Support coverage, and strategic investments in training, facilities, and equipment—all dedicated to ensuring that the residents and visitors of Frederick County receive professional, timely, and compassionate emergency service every day.