Howard County has expanded access to overdose prevention resources by installing two Naloxone and Safe Choice vending machines, providing residents with free, anonymous, 24/7 access to naloxone and other harm reduction supplies.

Located at the Howard County Health Department in Columbia and the Grassroots Day Resource Center in Jessup, the vending machines dispense two-dose naloxone kits, fentanyl, xylazine, barbiturate, and medetomidine test strips, condoms, and QR codes linking users to overdose prevention training and treatment resources.

County officials say the initiative is designed to reduce barriers to lifesaving resources by making them available around the clock at no cost. From the press release:

“Access to naloxone leads to measurable drops in opioid overdose deaths,” said Howard County Health Officer Dr. Maura Rossman. “This vending machine investment will help lower the barriers of stigma, cost, and access to these essential resources.”

According to the Maryland Department of Health, Howard County recorded 13 opioid-related deaths between June 2025 and May 2026. During that same period, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services personnel administered naloxone to 163 individuals. The vending machine locations were selected using data from the County’s Substance Use Dashboard and Overdose Risk Map, along with community feedback to identify areas of greatest need.

Funding for the initiative comes through Howard County’s Opioid Restitution Fund, reflecting one-way counties are investing opioid settlement dollars in prevention, education, and recovery initiatives. This program reflects a statewide mission to expand public access to naloxone and other harm reduction resources. By pairing 24/7 access with data-informed site selection and connections to treatment services, the County is using opioid restitution funds to support a broader overdose prevention strategy while making lifesaving resources more readily available to residents.