FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Mono County Launches Public Health Vending Machine Program to Expand Free Access to Essential Health Supplies

MONO COUNTY, Calif. (MARCH 03, 2026) – Last week, Mono County Health and Human Services (HHS) Public Health Division celebrated the launch of its Public Health Vending Machine Program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Mammoth Lakes Library.

The program, a collaboration between the Mono County Public Health Division and the Mono County Office of Education (MCOE), expands access to free, confidential health and wellness supplies for residents. The initiative is funded through a grant from the California Department of Public Health.

In cooperation with the Mono County Library Authority Board, one vending machine has been installed at the Mammoth Lakes Library (400 Sierra Park Rd, Mammoth Lakes). A second machine has been placed in Chalfant through a partnership with Latin Market 2 (4750 US-6, Chalfant), expanding geographic access across the County.

Public health vending machines provide 24/7, anonymous access to prevention and life-saving resources, helping reduce barriers such as cost, stigma, and limited operating hours — particularly important in rural communities like Mono County.

The machines dispense a wide range of free health supplies, including:

• Naloxone (Narcan) for reversing opioid overdoses

• Fentanyl test strips

• Pregnancy tests and emergency contraception

• External and internal condom kits

• Menstrual hygiene kits

• N95 masks

• Adult and pediatric dental kits

• Cable gun locks

• COVID tests

• Tobacco quit kits

• Radon test kits

“The Public Health Vending Machine Program is about meeting people where they are and making it easier to access essential health supplies without barriers,” said Danyell LeBrun, BSN, RN, PHN, Mono County Public Health Nurse and Interim Deputy Director for Public Health. “By providing free, confidential access to prevention and wellness resources, we are helping individuals take proactive steps to protect their health and the health of our community.”

Mono County Board of Supervisors Chair Jennifer Kreitz emphasized the County’s commitment to prevention and innovation. “Mono County is committed to supporting innovative approaches that expand access to critical health resources for our residents,” said Kreitz. “Programs like this demonstrate how strong partnerships and thoughtful use of grant funding can deliver real, tangible benefits to our community.”

Tammy Bennett Nguyen, Superintendent of Schools for Mono County Office of Education, highlighted the importance of trusted community spaces. “Libraries serve as trusted and accessible hubs in rural communities, providing not only educational resources but connection and support,” said Nguyen. “Placing a public health vending machine here helps ensure residents can access important health supplies in a familiar and welcoming space.”

Ruth Hensley, Mono County Library Authority Board Member, noted the strength of collaboration behind the effort. “This program highlights the power of collaboration between public health, education, and community partners,” said Hensley. “We are proud to support an initiative that brings meaningful resources directly into a trusted community space.”

The Public Health Vending Machine Program reflects Mono County’s broader commitment to prevention, reducing stigma, and expanding equitable access to health resources across its rural communities.

Media Contact: Justin Caporusso / Caporusso Communications [email protected] (916) 412-0571

General Inquiries: For more information, questions, or concerns, please call Mono County Public Health at (760) 924-1830.

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