Deploying health vending machines to increase access to naloxone and emergency contraceptives at a large Midwestern University (October 2024–May 2025)

INTRODUCTION: To bridge gaps in health product access on campus, a vending machine containing reduced-priced emergency contraceptives, over-the-counter health products, and free naloxone, was installed by student advocates at a large Midwestern University (termed: health vending machine). The purpose of this study is to present product sales data from the health vending machine to inform implementation of similar initiatives in the university setting. METHODS: This is an observational study using descriptive statistics to report units dispensed monthly, by product, from October 2024 to May 2025, approximately one academic year. RESULTS: Naloxone, emergency contraception, and pregnancy tests were the top three products dispensed, totaling 297, 232, and 64 units, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Product data demonstrated a distinct pattern from other university-based health vending machines, with naloxone being the most dispensed item. Comparatively greater dispensed naloxone and emergency contraceptives support this model as a practical strategy to improve access to time-sensitive health products.