Wabasha, Minn. – Wabasha is welcoming a new lifesaving community resource with the opening of a naloxone vending machine, installed through a collaboration between Wabasha County Public Health and the recovery support nonprofit Recovery Is Happening. The machine dispenses the opioid overdose reversal medication free of charge to anyone who may need it.
The naloxone vending machine is located outside the entrance to Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center and Wabasha Area Food Share on Milligan Avenue at the Mittel Schule Building.
"Narcan (Naloxone) is a critical, lifesaving medication, and increasing access is one of the most effective ways to prevent overdose deaths," said Tammy Fiedler, Public Health Director for Wabasha County.
Jen Dieck, Director of Mobile Crisis Response and Substance Use Disorder Services at Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center, said, "Research demonstrates that naloxone is highly effective in preventing overdose-related fatalities. We are proud to collaborate with Wabasha County Public Health and Recovery Is Happening to provide these life-saving resources to our community, ensuring they are available 24 hours a day at no cost."
The naloxone vending machine provides continuous, anonymous access to this medication, supporting harm reduction efforts to decrease opioid-related injury and death. This approach offers a reliable method of distribution, and the machine is engineered to withstand Minnesota's extreme weather conditions, ensuring consistent, year-round availability.
"This vending machine makes overdose prevention more accessible, more dignified, and more reliable for our community. By removing barriers and stigma, we are helping ensure that Narcan (Naloxone) is available when and where it is needed most, because access can mean the difference between life and death," said Jenna Klassen, Executive Director of Recovery Is Happening.
Recovery Is Happening brings extensive experience in peer recovery support, harm reduction services, and community-based outreach across southeastern Minnesota. The naloxone vending machine reflects this work by providing a consistent, 24-hour access point for naloxone.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce overdose deaths and expand harm reduction services for individuals experiencing substance use challenges, contributing to a healthier community.
For more information, please contact Wabasha County Public Health.
About Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center
Founded in 1965, Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) provides comprehensive behavioral health services to individuals and families across Southeastern Minnesota. The organization is committed to delivering compassionate, person-centered care and fostering wellness in every community it serves.
For more information about HVMHC's services, visit www.hvmhc.org. To schedule an appointment, individuals can call 1-800-657-6777 or visit www.hvmhc.org/contact/make-an-appointment.
HVMHC also oversees the Mobile Crisis Unit, available 24 hours a day in Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona Counties. Assistance can be reached by calling 1-844-CRISIS2 (1-844-274-7472).
About Recovery Is Happening
Recovery Is Happening is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization providing peer-led recovery support, harm reduction services, and community partnerships that promote health, safety, and long-term recovery for individuals and families impacted by substance use.