Posted on May 29, 2026

Open House Celebration Marks ‘Health to Go’ Vending Machine’s Two-Year Anniversary in Reading

Open House Celebration Marks ‘Health to Go’ Vending Machine’s Two-Year Anniversary in Reading

From Council on Chemical Abuse

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Community members are invited to attend the second anniversary celebration of Reading’s “Health to Go” Vending Machine. This is a drop-in event scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., in the lobby of the Reading YMCA, 631 Washington St., Reading, with an opportunity to test out the machine and learn about items being dispensed to and data being collected from machine users.

The machine is the result of a collaboration between Penn State College of Medicine, SOS Berks Opioid Coalition, the Council on Chemical Abuse, and the Reading YMCA. Representatives of those organizations will be available to answer questions and provide information.

“Health to Go” is a community-based smart vending machine that dispenses wellness items for free. The front of the machine is a large touch screen that can help users find information about area community services and resources such as food pantries, shelters, medical care, and substance use treatment. Users answer optional survey questions, which generate valuable data on who is using the machine and why, and what items are most needed.

Items available through the machine include Narcan®, medication disposal bags, personal care items, wound care kits, pregnancy tests, safe sex kits, and more.

Visitors to the June 3 open house celebration will view posters with information about what items are most popular, who is using the machine, and other interesting facts about this valuable community resource. They will also have the opportunity to speak with members of Penn State Berks and SOS Berks about the machine.

Learn more at sosberks.org.

About SOS Berks

SOS Berks is a coalition of Berks County community members who have joined together in an effort to reduce overdose deaths throughout the county. The organization is invested in educating the community about the disease of substance use disorder, raising awareness about stigma, and providing information about the many resources available for prevention, treatment, and recovery.




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