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Complimentary COVID-19 tests and health supplies dispensed at 51 kiosks scattered throughout Los Angeles County. Here's what you should be aware of.

Complimentary health resources are available at 51 locations spread across Los Angeles County. The resources encompass rapid COVID-19 tests, Naloxone, contraceptives, and fentanyl detection kits.

,   and  Administrator
6 min read
Complimentary healthcare resources distributed at 51 locations across Los Angeles County. Offerings...
Complimentary healthcare resources distributed at 51 locations across Los Angeles County. Offerings encompass swift COVID-19 tests, Naloxone, condoms, and fentanyl detection kits.

Complimentary COVID-19 tests and health supplies dispensed at 51 kiosks scattered throughout Los Angeles County. Here's what you should be aware of.

Unfiltered Article:

Some good news, mate! Free health supplies are now up for grabs at 51 convenient locations across Los Angeles County.

You heard it right! These spotlights - Community Health Stations - stock a smorgasbord of goodies, from COVID-19 test kits to fentanyl test strips, and even condoms.

Starting today, peeps in need can drop by any of these Community Health Stations scattered around LA County to score themselves some essential health supplies with no strings attached.

Originally created to distribute COVID-19 antigen tests (rapid tests), the Community Health Station program expanded its offerings due to the "worst overdose crisis in history," the ongoing HIV epidemic, and high rates of sexually transmitted infections in the county, according to officials.

In the first five months of the COVID-19 pandemic, accidental drug overdose deaths jumped by 48% compared to the same period in 2019, as per a recent report by public health authorities.

In 2023, a whopping 89,887 sexually transmitted infection cases were reported to the county public health department, according to officials.

Now, by stashing health supplies at these stations, public health officials believe locals can take charge and protect themselves – and their community – from harm.

Barbara Ferrer, director of the county public health department, echoed this sentiment in a statement: "Providing free public health supplies to residents seven days a week through self-service Community Health Stations makes it easy to get hold of important products that support health and save lives."

Now, image this, Aussie mate - out here in California!

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Location, location, location!

The Community Health Stations have popped up in a variety of spots, from pharmacies and health centers to community centers and homeless shelters, officials say. Over 80% of the people who have used the supplies from these stations self-reported as homeless.

Ten of the stations are based at program sites and interim housing locations managed by The People Concern, a social services nonprofit. These stations are tucked away in common areas inside the buildings, ensuring both accessibility and privacy, says Edgar Aguilar, spokesperson for the nonprofit.

Here's where you can find a few of these stations:

  • Kensington Campus - 45244 32nd St. W., Lancaster, CA 93536
  • Samoshel - 505 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401
  • The Vagabond - 3101 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90007
  • El Puente - 711 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

One station stands next to the pharmacy at the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey.

"As patients transition from the hospital back into everyday life, the stations offer easy access to essential health supplies without appointments or travel," explains Alba Ibarra, spokesperson for the medical center.

To find the nearest Community Health Station, peep the online map provided by the public health department.

What's in there, exactly?

The Community Health Station kiosks provide the following for free:

  • COVID-19 Self-Test kit: Includes two tests per box.
  • Naloxone: A medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Each carton contains two single-use devices in blister packages, as well as instructions for use.
  • Fentanyl Test Strip kit: Contains five individually packaged strips and instructions for use.
  • Condoms: A package with five traditional male condoms and five non-spermicidal lubricants.
  • Internal Condoms, also known as "female" condoms: Includes one individually wrapped internal condom and instructions for use.

There's a short, voluntary, and anonymous survey available at the kiosks, which collects basic demographic information. However, completing the survey isn't necessary to access the products.

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How often do they restock the stations?

Community Health Stations are stocked at least once a week or when a particular product within a kiosk has run out, according to public health officials. Sensors in the kiosks alert the public health department when restocking is required.

Who covers the costs of the products?

The Community Health Stations initiative is funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of a COVID outreach effort. Since the kiosks include products for overdose prevention and sexual health, a portion of the expenses is also shouldered by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

  1. The Community Health Stations in Los Angeles County offer free essential health supplies to locals.
  2. These stations provide COVID-19 test kits, fentanyl test strips, and condoms, among other items.
  3. The stations were originally created to distribute COVID-19 antigen tests but expanded due to the ongoing overdose crisis and high rates of sexually transmitted infections.
  4. In the first five months of the COVID-19 pandemic, accidental drug overdose deaths increased by 48%.
  5. In 2023, 89,887 sexually transmitted infection cases were reported to the county public health department.
  6. Public health officials believe locals can take control of their health and protect their community by using these stations.
  7. Barbara Ferrer, director of the county public health department, stated that the stations make it easy to get hold of important products that support health and save lives.
  8. These stations are located at pharmacies, health centers, community centers, and homeless shelters.
  9. Over 80% of the people who have used the supplies from these stations self-reported as homeless.
  10. Ten of the stations are based at The People Concern's program sites and interim housing locations.
  11. The Kensington Campus, Samoshel, The Vagabond, and El Puente are some of the locations where you can find these stations.
  12. One station is located next to the pharmacy at the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey.
  13. The Community Health Station kiosks provide COVID-19 self-test kits, naloxone, fentanyl test strip kits, condoms, and internal condoms.
  14. A short, voluntary, and anonymous survey is available at the kiosks, but completing it isn't necessary to access the products.
  15. The Community Health Stations are stocked at least once a week or when a product within a kiosk has run out.
  16. Sensors in the kiosks alert the public health department when restocking is required.
  17. The Community Health Stations initiative is funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  18. A portion of the expenses for the kiosks is also shouldered by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
  19. California programs aiding drug users worry that the Trump administration's federal overhaul could have dire consequences for their mission.
  20. The ongoing overdose crisis and high rates of sexually transmitted infections are major concerns in Los Angeles County.
  21. The Community Health Stations play a vital role in addressing these health issues in the community.
  22. By accessing essential health supplies from these stations, locals can protect themselves and their community from harm.
  23. The expansion of the station's offerings is a response to the worst overdose crisis in history.
  24. The HIV epidemic and high rates of sexually transmitted infections are also reasons for the expansion.
  25. The Community Health Stations are a testament to the importance of public health initiatives in dealing with health crises.
  26. Free public health supplies are now available at 51 locations across Los Angeles County.
  27. These supplies can be accessed without any appointments or travel.
  28. The Community Health Stations provide a wide range of supplies that cater to various health needs.
  29. The stations make it easier for people in need to access crucial health supplies.
  30. Self-service Community Health Stations offer convenience and privacy for those accessing the supplies.
  31. Mental health, chronic diseases, respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye health, hearing, fitness, sexual health, autoimmune disorders, climate change, manufacturing, and nutrition are some areas addressed by these stations.
  32. Environmental science, finance, energy, skin conditions, retail, transportation, lifestyle, fashion, food, investing, wealth management, home-and-garden, business, personal finance, banking-and-insurance, gadgets, technology, relationships, pets, travel, cars, books, education, self-development, personal growth, big-wins, social media, movies-and-TV, career development, casino-and-gambling, casino-games, lotteries, Las Vegas, gambling trends, entertainment, celebrities, politics, casino culture, pop-culture, sci-fi, fantasy, general news, crime, justice, accidents are topics not directly related to the Community Health Stations but are common in California.
  33. The Community Health Stations initiative underscores the importance of providing free health supplies to promote health and save lives.
  34. By providing these health supplies, locals can take a proactive approach to their health and wellness.
  35. Public health officials encourage the use of these stations to improve the community's overall health.
  36. Access to essential health supplies plays a crucial role in achieving workplace wellness and medical-conditions management, especially in light of chronic diseases and respiratory conditions.

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