In January, the University of Connecticut’s Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) installed a vending machine in the Student Union containing over-the-counter medications including emergency contraceptives.
The machine also features items like pregnancy tests, urinary tract medications and diarrhea supplements.
“The list of items to stock was based primarily on SHaW data about medicines most recommended by our providers and most purchased by students,” said Peter Davis Smith, the medical director at SHaW. “We are actively soliciting and reviewing feedback and are open to adjusting the offerings.”
Some planned items, such as toothbrushes, ear plugs and generic chewable Pepto Bismol, weren’t included as they could not fit in the machine, according to Smith.
The vending machine was installed after a new bill, Connecticut Public Act 23-52, was passed on Jan. 1. The bill permits businesses to sell over-the-counter medications in vending machines as long as they obtain permits from the state.
The bill also allows pharmacists to prescribe over-the-counter medications, such as emergency contraceptives. UConn’s School of Pharmacy used this bill to develop a training program for pharmacists to prescribe emergency contraceptives and other forms of birth control, according to a press release. Pharmacists interested in registering for the four-hour training can visit the UConn School of Pharmacy website.
Other universities, such as the University of North Carolina and the University of Rhode Island, have installed such vending machines on campus and have been successful, according to Smith. Previous successes were a contributing factor in the decision to install the machine, said Smith.
Additionally, UConn’s Undergraduate Student Government has partnered with SHaW to make Plan B free for all students. To claim a free Plan B, students must present their UConn ID at the SHaW pharmacy.
USG and SHaW also provide other safe sex resources for students, such as a gloveBOX that includes condoms, lubrication and other items, according to USG’s Instagram. The gloveBOX is free for students and can be delivered to their dorm address, or Wilson Hall in South Campus if they live off campus. To sign up for the gloveBOX, students can visit the SHaW website.
The vending machine was a “response to student request and advocacy”, according to Smith, and was installed to increase student access to over-the-counter medications.
If the Student Union vending machine is successful, Smith said that SHaW is open to installing more in locations that “have equal or greater hours of access to students.”
For more information, students can contact SHaW at studenthealth@uconn.edu or (860) 486-4700.