Located right outside the door to the tribal office on Third Avenue, Seward’s community wellness vending machine offers 24/7 easy access.
Access to basic health-and-wellness supplies should not depend on whether someone has money in their pocket, transportation, an appointment or the courage to ask for help. Free wellness vending machines throughout the state are addressing that issue.
The Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska opened a free vending machine in July inside the tribe’s Edward K. Thomas Building in downtown Juneau. Meanwhile, Seward’s Qutekcak Native Tribe (QNT) Community Health Vending Machine also made its debut in July, to a very positive response.
Medicine Reflects Understanding
Wrapped in a bright blue design adapted from a mural created by local artist Susan Swiderski, the QNT machine right outside the tribe’s office at 221 Third Avenue offers health and wellness products free to anyone, all day, all year. Products stocked include opioid overdose reversal kits, lidocaine, HIV tests, cold and flu medicine, first aid supplies, and personal hygiene products…