Exploring vending machines that provide harm reduction supplies for drug users

Harm reduction vending machines: Exploring and improving acceptability of a low barrier approach to reducing drug related harms

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA RENO · NIH-11094902

This study is looking at how helpful vending machines that provide supplies like syringes and naloxone can be for people who use drugs, and it wants to find out who uses them and what makes them easy or hard to access.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF NEVADA RENO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (RENO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11094902 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of harm reduction vending machines (HRVMs) as a way to provide essential supplies like syringes, naloxone, and fentanyl test strips to people who use drugs (PWUD). The study aims to understand who uses these machines, their awareness of them, and the factors that influence their usage. By employing a mixed-methods approach, researchers will gather data through observations and interviews to assess the acceptability and feasibility of HRVMs in addressing the needs of underserved populations. The goal is to identify barriers and facilitators to access and improve service delivery for PWUD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who use drugs and may benefit from increased access to harm reduction supplies.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use drugs or are not at risk of drug-related harms may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance access to life-saving harm reduction supplies for vulnerable populations, potentially reducing drug-related harms and fatalities.

How similar studies have performed: While harm reduction vending machines have been used internationally, this specific approach in the U.S. is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.

Where this research is happening

RENO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.