Independence adds free, anonymous health supply vending machine
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Free health and harm-reduction supplies are now available around the clock at a vending machine in Independence, giving residents access to items including COVID-19 and HIV tests, fentanyl test strips and needle dissolve boxes.
The Bluebox is located outside Centerstone on East Bundschu Road. The machine provides supplies free of charge and anonymously.
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Independence City Councilmember At-Large Cody Atkinson helped bring the service to the city after seeing a Facebook post about a similar vending machine in Jackson County.
"Independence struggles with poverty, addiction, we have a 17% poverty rate here, and I can't forget that my responsibility to this city is to everybody here and I'm going to fight for those who often go overlooked and without a voice," said Atkinson.
Atkinson said that while the city cannot force someone to stop using drugs, providing access to resources could help prevent fatal outcomes.
"We have a lot of treatment options around this city, but please also, if that is something that you have become addicted to, stop by this vending machine, and grab it, and pop inside as well and ask for help," said Atkinson.
Atkinson hopes to expand access to machines throughout Independence. He said he plans to request funding for additional blueboxes during the City's next budget cycle.
"I am going to put in a request for our next budget cycle to get a few more of these located throughout the city, to make sure they are readily accessible to as many folks who need them as possible," said Atkinson.
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Independence is not the only community in the Kansas City area with a Bluebox. Two are located in Lee's Summit, with additional machines in Raytown and Grain Valley.
For a list of Bluebox locations, click here.
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