Public health officials in Outagamie County have added cold-weather gear to the region’s public health vending machines to assist residents during winter conditions.
This initiative is part of a broader harm-reduction strategy funded by opioid settlement grants from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Furthermore, the program aims to provide low-barrier, anonymous access to life-saving supplies especially to vulnerable populations experiencing extreme temperatures.
Its key details are that it has new inventory providing free gloves, hats, socks, and emergency thermal blankets.
These supplies are available at two 24/7 accessible sites:
- Grand Chute Police Department (Fire Station 2/ 3900 W Spencer St.)
- Outagamie County Government Center (Appleton)
While the machines were first installed back in March 2024, the specific update about adding cold-weather supplies is current as of January 2026.
In Canada, outside the North Bay and Parry Sound Health unit, vending machines are filled with items such as ponchos, water bottles, socks, gloves, and foil blankets.