Hamilton council votes in support of health supplies vending machine initative

During Monday’s public health meeting, Hamilton City Council voted in support of a “health boxes” initiative, which are vending machines that allow for the distribution of health supplies that can include needles and crack pipes.

A number of delegates spoke in support of the automated machines, including Dr. Robin Lennox.

“I’ve had lengthy conversations with my patients, and I can tell you not one of them starting using drugs because of the availability of harm reduction supplies, nor have they continued using drugs because of their access to harm reduction supplies,” she said.

Lennox took part in the behind-the-scenes development of these resources, including what they should contain.

Ward 2 Councillor, Cameron Kroetsch, was one of the many who voted to move forward with this initiative.

“Everyone agreed we need more ways to reduce harm in our communities, and this is one further tool to do that,” he said.

“It is supported by experts, and so I supported their call for this today.”

The motion to oppose the health boxes was brought forth by Ward 8 Councillor John-Paul Danko, who says he was let down by its failure.

“Frankly, I’m disappointed for the families in the neighbourhoods who are impacted the most, but more importantly for those who are suffering from addictions, and will be getting these supplies from a vending machine,” he said.

Danko continued by saying the decision to support the program does not make sense, as the province is “going in a different direction,” and there is little point in a municipality acting “in contradiction to where the province is going.”

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