STEUBEN COUNTY, NY (WENY) -- In an effort to help combat the opioid epidemic, Steuben County Public Health installed a new harm reduction vending machine. It's located at the Addison Fire Department and is open 24/7.

"Our goal is to increase that access to those life-saving resources and hopefully empower people to make really good decisions about their healthcare; and not be afraid to speak up and ask for help when they need it," said the Public Health Education Coordinator for Steuben Co. Public Health, Mealea Vandenburg.

In Steuben County in December 2024, 20 overdoses were reported. Two of them were fatal and there were eight instances where Narcan had to be used. Overall compared to 2023, the number of overdoses decreased by 17% in 2024.

"Though the numbers are trending down, we're not going to reduce our efforts... Obviously, numbers change and next month the numbers could skyrocket. Opioids are certainly still a problem in Steuben County and nationwide... We're still directing a lot of energy and work towards the opioid crisis," said the Public Health Director for Steuben County, Darlene Smith.

To help prevent overdoses, the county installed a first-of-its-kind vending machine in Addison. The Public Health Education Coordinator for Steuben Co. Public Health said it was placed there for a reason.

"We chose Addison to launch this vending machine program because [it's] among one of the highest rated populations for overdoses, compared to other populations. When you look at Addison's data compared to the amount of people [who] reside [there], overdose rates are very high," said Vandenburg.

Steuben County Public Health hopes to eventually install more harm reduction vending machines across the county.