The Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) has partnered with Aegis and Pacific Pride Foundation to install the Isla Vista Health & Safety Vending Machine, providing 24/7 access to essential health and harm reduction materials to the community.
The vending machine is on the patio of the Isla Vista Community Center, 976 Embarcadero Del Mar.
The vending machine is stocked with lifesaving and preventive health supplies, including the overdose-reversing drug naloxone, fentanyl and xylazine test strips, and a variety of harm reduction materials.
These resources are available to the public free of charge and will reduce barriers to accessing necessary health products, according to IVCSD.
Inside the vending machine are the following:
• Naloxone Nasal Spray (Narcan) for opioid overdose reversal
• Fentanyl and Xylazine Test Strips
• Emergency Contraceptives/Condoms
• Feminine Hygiene Kits
• Rapid HIV Tests
• Safe Sex Kits
• Safe Syringe Kits
With rising concerns about opioid overdoses and other public health challenges, having access to naloxone and other harm reduction materials can be life-saving, IVCSD said.
The vending machine helps to address these urgent needs by providing free, anonymous access to health supplies.
IVCSD staff will monitor and maintain the vending machine regularly to ensure it continues to meet the community’s evolving needs.
“The health and safety vending machine is more than just a tool for harm reduction—it’s a statement of our commitment to public health,” said Marcos Aguilar, IVCSD Board president.
“We’re proud to partner with Aegis and Pacific Pride Foundation to bring life-saving and preventive health items to the Isla Vista community,” he said
“This community asset is what it’s all about – making vital health and safety materials available and accessible to all,” said 2nd District County Supervisor Laura Capps.
“The safety and well-being of our community is of utmost importance, and I’m grateful to the Isla Vista Community Services District, Aegis, and Pacific Pride Foundation for bringing this vital resource to Isla Vista,” she said.
“We in the Sheriff’s Office are proud to partner with other community organizations like the Isla Vista Community Services District, the University of California at Santa Barbara’s Drug and Alcohol Program, and the Pacific Pride Foundation in the distribution of life-saving Narcan,” said Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown.
“In addition to free Narcan being available from this new vending machine in Isla Vista, it is also available – no questions asked – to any member of the community at every one of our Santa Barbara County Sheriff Substations, and at the front lobbies of our Main Jail and the Northern Branch Jail,” he said.
“We encourage everyone to pick up Narcan and have it available in case you come across someone experiencing an overdose. If you have Narcan with you, it just might save that person’s life,” Brown said.