St. Boniface Hospital is now home to a health vending machine called Our Healthbox, a program by REACH Nexus. (HANDOUT)
WINNIPEG — A new high-tech health vending machine offering free HIV self-tests, naloxone kits, and other wellness supplies is now available at St. Boniface Hospital.
The initiative, part of the national Our Healthbox program by REACH Nexus, aims to reduce health inequities and expand access to essential care.
The machine is available 24/7 and also offers harm reduction supplies, menstrual and hygiene products, and community health resources. It’s the second Healthbox installed in Winnipeg (in addition to the NorWest Co-op Community Health Clinic) and the 12th in Canada.
“Our Healthbox is a safe, non-judgmental, and anonymous way for people in our community to access the wellness supplies and support they need to stay safe and healthy,” said Katarina Lee Ameduri, director of ethics at Reseau Compassion Network and clinical ethicist at St. Boniface Hospital.
“We love our community and are passionate about harm reduction and ending the HIV epidemic. We hope people across Manitoba will see our St. Boniface Healthbox as a beacon of hope and care.”
Developed by Dr. Sean B. Rourke of St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, the initiative combines smart technology with public health tools to meet the needs of underserved communities.
“It’s about caring for and empowering people to take control of their own health and well-being, in ways that work for them — no matter where they live,” said Rourke.
The program has already distributed more than 48,000 health items nationwide and plans to expand further across Canada.
The new vending machine in Winnipeg was funded by BMO and the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR).
