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The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), in partnership with REACH Nexus at the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital (Unity Health Toronto), has launched a three-year initiative to provide free, anonymous access to health and harm reduction supplies through Our Healthbox machines.
Our Healthboxes are interactive vending machines that dispense items such as HIV self-test kits, pregnancy tests, condoms, naloxone, and drug checking supplies—at no cost, with no ID or appointment required. The machines also offer health information and a service directory to help people connect with local supports.
By placing essential supplies in convenient, community-based locations, the initiative aims to reduce barriers to care and support the GNWT’s response to public health challenges, including the syphilis outbreak, illicit drug poisoning, and limited access to sexual and reproductive health supplies.
Our Healthboxes are currently available in Behchokǫ̀ and Hay River, with Inuvik and Yellowknife launching in the coming weeks. Supplies will be tailored to each community and updated regularly based on local data and feedback.
The machines also promote 811, available 24/7 for non-urgent health advice, guidance on using the supplies, and referrals to in-person services.
The Northwest Territories sites join 16 Our Healthboxes operating across Canada in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and New Brunswick. More information is available at www.ourhealthbox.ca
“Our Healthbox is one way we’re responding to serious public health issues in the NWT, including the syphilis outbreak, illicit drug poisoning, and the lack of access to essential health supplies without stigma or barriers. Everyone deserves to care for their health in a way that feels safe, private, and respectful. This initiative meets people where they are and helps remove barriers to care," Lesa Semmler, Minister of Health and Social Services
Read more here.
