NYC Installs Controversial Health Vending Machines Offering Free Crack Pipes and Overdose Reversal Medication
- New York City installed vending machines providing free crack pipes, Narcan and other supplies to curb overdoses and disease.
- The vending machines were emptied within a day and the city plans to add more.
- Some oppose the program and believe funds should support rehabilitation instead.
- Fatal overdoses have climbed 78% since 2019 as the opioid crisis continues.
- The program aims to curb overdoses but questions government's role in enabling addiction.