PUSH BUTTON FOR HEALTH

This article was published in the October 18, 2025 edition.

The next time you hit a vending machine at 2 a.m. in Mammoth, it might be for a condom, not a Snickers bar.

Or so imagines Kathryn Peterson, Mono County Health and Human Services Director, who unveiled plans Tuesday for a public health vending machine pilot program outside the Mammoth Lakes Library.

The machine, aimed at preventing drug crises and teen pregnancy, would be stocked with free harm-reduction and wellness supplies, including Narcan (the overdose-reversing nasal spray), drug test strips, pregnancy tests, toothbrushes — and yes, condoms.

“The machines can provide 24/7 access to critical supplies, extending availability beyond traditional office hours,” Peterson said. “They remove barriers and offer anonymity for people who might feel judged or fearful to ask for these items.”

Mono County plans to lease its first machine from Mullan Pharmaceuticals for a three-month pilot program at roughly $800 per month, following a $2,500 startup fee. If it survives Mammoth’s harsh winter and proves useful, the county could purchase additional units and expand the program to other communities.

Peterson said the county has been pre-approved by the state to use federal grant funding from its Disease Intervention Specialist program, with other county funds available as a backup.

While the county can cover the machine itself, it doesn’t have the resources to keep it stocked. 

That’s where Anthem Blue Cross comes in. The company has offered to supply the machine with items. Or at least help get it started.

“What we’ve done in the past is provide hygiene kits, dental kits, and some startup materials,” said Janet Paine, a program manager at Anthem. “But the public health and behavioral health departments determine what’s needed most.”

When people use the machine, they will be prompted to take a voluntary survey. That data will help the county track usage, understand demographics, and know when items need resupplying.

Supervisor John Peters raised a question about vandalism, asking whether the library’s front entrance had security cameras. 

The machine will be placed just to the left of the library doors, visible and accessible after hours. It will have a small shelter or overhang to keep snow off, but it won’t be locked behind gates or glass.

Peterson said vandalism has not been a problem in other counties. 

“That was one of our biggest concerns,” she said. “What if someone came up and tried to empty out all the Narcan or toothbrushes?”

Officials in other counties where similar machines had been implemented had reassured her that just doesn’t happen, she said. 

The supervisors agreed the risk was worth taking. 

“There’s no reason not to do this,” said Supervisor Rhonda Duggan. “Every reason to go ahead with it.”