Mono County Health and Human Services told the Board of Supervisors it will pilot a public-health vending machine at the Mammoth Lakes library to dispense free risk-reduction supplies and information, with a short-term lease and partner support for supplies.

Kathy Peterson, Health and Human Services Director, described vending machines that are temperature-controlled and can dispense items such as naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray, fentanyl test strips, condoms, pregnancy tests, hygiene kits, dental kits and over-the-counter COVID tests. Peterson said several California counties use similar machines; Sonoma County, for example, brands machines and stocks naloxone, test kits, hygiene supplies and other items.

Peterson said the county is considering a machine offered by (identified in staff materials as) Mulan/Mullen Pharmaceuticals and that the recommended pilot approach is a leased machine for three months to test mechanical performance in Mammoth Lakes' winter conditions. Lease cost cited in the staff report is about $800 per month after an initial startup cost of about $2,500. The county has identified a federal disease intervention specialist (DIS) workforce development grant that will allow purchase of a machine or cover pilot costs; county staff said they had preapproval from the state for using part of that grant. Staff also discussed the option of buying machines outright after a successful pilot.

Janet Payne, program director with Anthem (the county's Medi-Cal managed care partner), told the board Anthem and partner organizations can help provide supplies, noting in other counties private partners have donated or provided hygiene and dental kits in bulk. Peterson said the county would be responsible for stocking and that Behavioral Health would supply naloxone and fentanyl test kits; staff expect to compile a supply list and coordinate stocking responsibilities.

Board members asked about pilot length, vandalism and maintenance. Some supervisors said three months could be sufficient for a mechanical/weather test but that a longer pilot (six to 12 months) might be needed to measure uptake and socialization. Peterson said the machine company's recommendation was a three-month mechanical pilot and that the county anticipates extending use if mechanical and partner support needs are met. The vendor reported that, in other jurisdictions, vandalism has not been a widespread issue.

Peterson said the proposed initial location is outside the Mammoth Lakes Library (with a shelter to limit snow coverage) and that the county and library partners discussed siting and storage considerations. The machine software provides a brief voluntary survey (age, gender, race, optional) and a restocking alert app for staff. Network and restock notifications were described as part of the company service for leased machines; staff said purchasing machines would transfer more of the maintenance responsibility to the county.

Board members expressed support for the project and for piloting in Mammoth as a way to evaluate mechanical resilience and usage before broader deployment in unincorporated areas that lack retail access to these supplies. The board gave staff direction to proceed with the pilot and coordinate funding and partnership support.

Ending: Staff will proceed with the leased-machine pilot at Mammoth Lakes Library, coordinate the supply list with Anthem and Behavioral Health, and return if the board needs any funding adjustments or additional requests.