In what’s being described as a life-saving move, Bendigo Community Health Services Central site will be one of 10 locations included in the Victorian Government’s bid to reduce preventable drug deaths.
Announced yesterday by State Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt, a vending machine will soon be installed for the community to anonymously access the overdose reversal medication in nasal spray form. The machine will be free to use and accessible 24/7. Each Naloxone box dispensed from the machine will contain two doses as well as instructions for use.
Deputy Operations Manager Alcohol and Drugs (AOD) Services Lisa Walklate said BCHS’ inclusion in the trial isn’t an indication that anything is wrong in Bendigo, rather it’s an opportunity to provide stigma free access to a life-saving medication.
“Having the ability to discreetly access Naloxone through a vending machine will empower anyone in the community to have this overdose reversal tool easily in their possession,” she said.
“For years now we have been advocating for anyone who uses opioids and opioid-based medication, and their families and friends, to have it on hand for emergencies.
“It’s a practical and proven way to reduce the harms associated with drug use as it really can mean the difference between life and death, especially as there’s no quality control in ‘recreational’ drug manufacturing.
“This trial is a good thing for Bendigo. It’s good for Victoria and it will save lives.”
Naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of an overdose by helping a person breathe again. It works on heroin, potent synthetic opioids and prescription opioids like fentanyl and morphine. It’s safe, non-addictive, non-intoxicating, has no side effects and if another dose is needed before help arrives, it can be administered.
BCHS’ AOD Outreach Coordinator Peta Brady provides training for organisations and individuals on how to administer Naloxone. She also coordinates our Needle and Syringe service to the community, ensuring people using intravenous drugs are doing so safely. Peta said the trial will help Naloxone reach further into the community, meaning more fatal overdoses will be prevented.
“We need to be looking out for each other, and this is one way to do it,” she said.
“Naloxone gives the person who overdosed a chance to be revived. It gives them a second chance.
“My hope is that through this dispensing machine trial Naloxone will be accessed by those we don’t see on Outreach and who don’t present to our health services.
“My wish is that it will make even more of a difference.”
The Naloxone dispensing machine trial was announced back in 2024 as part of the Victorian Government’s $95.1 million Statewide Action Plan to reduce drug harms across the state. It will run until the end of June 2027.
Read more about Naloxone at Better Health: Free naloxone | Better Health Channel