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Starting this week, residents who need a Covid-19 self-test kit, fentanyl test strip, or other health supplies will be available free of charge at any of Los Angeles County’s 51 Community Health Station Kiosks.
According to the Department of Public Health, the Community Health Station program was originally established to continue the distribution of Covid-19 antigen trials, also known as rapid testing. However, according to government agencies within the county, “the worst overdose crisis in history, the continued proportion of STIs in the county continues, and a high percentage of STIs are high.”
A recent report from the Public Health Division found that deaths from accidental drug overdose increased by 48% during the first five months of the Covid-19 pandemic compared to the same period in 2019.
In 2023, a total of 89,887 sexually transmitted cases were reported to the county public health department, according to public health officials.
By supplying a public health supply to the kiosk, authorities say residents can take action to protect themselves and others in the community.
“With free public health products available to residents seven days a week through the Self-Service Community Health Station, you can gain access to critical products that support health and save lives,” Barbara Feller, director of the county’s Department of Public Health, said in a news release.
Kiosks are located in communities with low access to healthcare and resources, and are located elsewhere in pharmacies, health centers, community centers, and homeless shelters.
To date, public health officials say 80% of people who used health supplies at kiosks have self-reported that they have experienced homelessness.
Ten kiosks are located in the program site and temporary housing locations run by the social services nonprofit People Cancere. At these locations, the community health department is located in a common area within the building, making it easy to access while maintaining privacy.
People are related to location.
Kensington Campus-45244 32nd St. W., Lancaster, CA 93536Samoshel -505 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401 The Vagabond -3101 S.
“By removing barriers to access, kiosks allow individuals to protect their health and make informed choices while also reinforcing our broader goal of meeting where they are and supporting their well-being without judgment,” Aguilar said.
One kiosk is located next to the pharmacy at the Rancholos Amigos National Rehabilitation Centre in Downey.
“As patients move from hospitals to daily life, the stations have easy access to a simple, continuous health supply without the need for appointments or trips,” said Alba Ibarra, a spokesman for the medical center.
To find your nearest community health station, check the Public Health Department’s online map.
Community Health Station Kiosks comes with the following products free of charge:
Covid-19 Self Test Kit: 1 box containing 2 tests. Naloxone: A drug that can reverse opioid overdose. One carton includes two disposable devices and usage instructions in the Blister package. Fentanyl Test Strip Kit: One kit includes 5 individually packaged strips and instructions for use. Condoms: 1 package that holds 5 traditional male condoms and 5 non-permeable lubricants. It is also known as an internal condom, “female” condom.
Kiosk users can undergo a short, voluntary anonymous survey that collects basic demographic information, but do not need to complete the survey to access the product.
How often do kiosks restock?
Public health officials say the community health department is restocked at least once a week or whenever certain products at kiosks run out. Sensors in the kiosk alert the public health department when restocking is needed.
Who pays for the products in the kiosk?
The kiosk program is currently funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Grants as part of the Covid Outreach initiative. As the kiosks contain overdose prevention and sexual health-related products, some of the costs are also subsidized by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
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