The machine is part of the Victorian Government’s statewide naloxone dispensing machine trial, expanding free access to the medication across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
Naloxone is a medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, buying valuable time while emergency services are called.
It is effective for overdoses involving heroin, fentanyl, morphine and other opioids, and is available as a nasal spray.
The medication is non-addictive, non-intoxicating and can be administered by anyone.
Primary Care Connect chief executive Trish Quibell said increasing access to naloxone was an important step in preventing avoidable overdose deaths.
“Every life matters,” she said.
“Having free naloxone available 24 hours a day means people can access this potentially life-saving medication whenever they need it.
“Overdose can happen unexpectedly, whether through illicit opioids or prescription opioid medications.
“Making naloxone easier to access helps ensure our community is better prepared to respond in an emergency.”
PCC executive manager health service Leigh Stanbrook urged community members not to wait for an emergency before obtaining naloxone.
“The benefit of naloxone and the vending machine is that concerned community members can come and grab a box to ensure it’s available if it is ever needed,” Mr Stanbrook said.
“Don’t want for the emergency to happen before you consider having naloxone on hand.”
The dispensing machine is accessible at the rear of Primary Car Connect 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more information, call 5823 3200 or visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/free-naloxone.
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