FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
#2023-08.25
Contact: István Fazekas
Public Information Officer
ifazekas@sjcphs.org | (209) 468-8584
Stockton, CA (August 25, 2023) – San Joaquin County Public Health Services (PHS) is now offering vending machines with a cost-free variety of health-promoting products for the public. Three specialized vending machines have been installed in Stockton, with more installations being planned throughout the county. Currently, they are available:
- In the lobby of the PHS administrative office at 1601 East Hazelton Avenue
- Downtown, in the first-floor lobby of the County Human Services Agency on 333 East Washington Street
- At the Montezuma Fire District Station on 2405 South B Street
These vending machines offer free Covid rapid testing kits, KN-95 masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes for the general public.
“When we examine the barriers that some people in our community have to obtaining rapid test kits and quality protective masks, accessibility and convenience come up consistently as reasons. This is a creative solution for our agency to address this issue,” said Dr. Maggie Park, Public Health Officer. “We think this is a great resource, especially since our station is open to serve the community twenty-four hours a day,” stated Edward Martel, Montezuma Fire District Fire Chief.Christopher Woods, Director of San Joaquin County’s Human Services Agency, added that “The Human Services Agency is a convenient location that is familiar to members of our community, and they can easily access this important free resource.”An innovative method to serve the needs of the community, and to eliminate some of the barriers to better health in San Joaquin County, vending machines containing health care products are accessible during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, at the East Hazelton and East Washington Street locations. The Montezuma fire station is accessible 24-hours a day.