North Central Health District installs harm reduction vending machines in Macon-Bibb, Houston County

The vending machines offer free Naxolene, testing strips, hygiene kits, and other lifesaving supplies to combat opioid overdoses.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The North Central Health District has installed two harm reduction vending machines - one at the Macon-Bibb County Health Department and the other at the Houston County Health Department. The machines are stocked with Naxolene nasal spray, fentanyl and xylazine testing strips, hygiene kits, and condoms with free HIV test information. Health officials say the machines are a critical tool to help prevent overdose deaths in the community.

Why it matters

Opioid overdoses have been an ongoing issue in the region, with health professionals noting the drug supply has become increasingly contaminated and dangerous. These harm reduction vending machines provide free access to lifesaving supplies that can reverse overdoses and keep people safe while they work towards recovery.

The details

The North Central Health District has installed two harm reduction vending machines as part of their opioid and overdose prevention program. The machines are stocked with Naxolene (a generic version of Narcan), fentanyl and xylazine testing strips, hygiene kits, and condoms with HIV test information. Health officials say these supplies are critical, as the current drug supply is highly contaminated and many people don't know what they are ingesting. The vending machines provide free access to these harm reduction tools that can save lives in the event of an overdose.

  • The vending machines were installed in February 2026.

The players

North Central Health District

The regional health department that oversees public health initiatives in Macon-Bibb and Houston counties.

Marissa Cooling

The overdose opioid program manager with the North Central Health District.

Dr. Figueroa

A medical professional at Piedmont Macon Medical Center.

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What they’re saying

“We've seen increases in overdoses all across the last few years, and we've really have been wanting to put something out in the community that's a free resource, that will positively affect the overdoses that we have been seeing, fatal and non-fatal.”

— Marissa Cooling, Overdose opioid program manager, North Central Health District (41nbc.com)

“This isn't the drug supply of ten years ago. It's definitely contaminated, definitely poisoned, and most people don't always know what they're ingesting. This really is a way to keep people safe.”

— Marissa Cooling, Overdose opioid program manager, North Central Health District (41nbc.com)

“Narcan can counteract the opiates while emergency room services come in, and you can save a life doing that. We educate our communities, but we also provide the means to prevent a death.”

— Marissa Cooling, Overdose opioid program manager, North Central Health District (41nbc.com)

“Access to harm reduction tools and education can help prevent deaths while people work toward recovery.”

— Dr. Figueroa, Piedmont Macon Medical Center (41nbc.com)

What’s next

Health officials say two more vending machines are planned for Bibb and Houston counties, along with outdoor naloxone access boxes that will be available 24 hours a day in areas with higher overdose rates.

The takeaway

These harm reduction vending machines provide free and accessible tools to combat the ongoing opioid crisis in the region, offering lifesaving supplies like Naxolene and testing strips to keep people safe while they work towards recovery. The initiative highlights the health district's proactive approach to addressing the overdose epidemic through community-based solutions.