NWT turns to distribute HIV tests, Naloxon -Kits, Hygiene products
The Northwest Territories Introduces Innovative Healthboxes to Communities
In a groundbreaking move, the government of the Northwest Territories has introduced a new type of automatic transmission to communities in the territory. These healthboxes offer free health supplies to the public, aiming to address various public health issues in the region.
HIV self-test kits, condoms, pregnancy tests, Naloxon kits, toothbrushes, and toothpaste are just some of the items that can be found in these healthboxes. According to Kami Kandola, the most important public health official for the NWT, these boxes function like vending machines, allowing users to select the items they need without the need for any identification. The use of a paper bag helps maintain the privacy of the user, ensuring anonymity in accessing these essential health supplies.
But these healthboxes are not just about providing health articles. They also offer valuable information, such as connecting users to the 811 helpline which provides access to registered nurses 24/7. Additionally, users can find information about other services available to them, as well as instructions on how to use the products in the machines.
The introduction of these healthboxes comes as a response to pressing public health issues in the region, including the outbreak of syphilis in 2019, drug denser, and barriers to accessing reproductive health supplies. Kandola emphasized the importance of providing free and private access to essential health and welfare resources to address these challenges.
Currently, there are two active healthboxes in the NWT, located in Behokǫ̀’s Sports Spex and the Hay River Community Center. More machines are set to be installed in locations such as the Airport Inuvik, the Midnight Sun Complex, and the Yellowknife Public Library in the coming weeks. Plans are also underway to place additional machines in two or three more regions in the territory.
The government envisions this initiative as a three-year project, with the possibility of replacing the healthboxes with more cost-effective models in the future if they prove to be popular. The goal is to ensure that communities have easy access to the health supplies they need to take care of themselves, ultimately reducing the stigma around accessing such products.
The introduction of these healthboxes represents a significant step forward in promoting public health and well-being in the Northwest Territories. By providing free and private access to essential health supplies, these machines are empowering communities to take charge of their health and wellness.
