Through a new student coalition, MSU students now have better access to emergency contraceptives, Narcan and other health products. This initiative was led by Harsna Chahal, a first-year medical student at Central Michigan University, Arianna Paa, first-year medical student at MSU, Julia Walters, a second-year law student at MSU and Mackenzie Lovell, a recent MSU alum, in addition to support from Heather Shea — previous Director of Women*s Student Services. Below, Arianna Paa, Julia Walters and Harsna Chahal write about the new vending machine offering these products.
Narcan
Arianna was motivated to advocate for increased accessibility to Narcan on campus after experiencing a personal loss to an accidental opioid overdose her sophomore year in undergrad — her childhood best friend, Katy.
Due to the stigma surrounding substance misuse, we were unaware of the importance of carrying Narcan and that it was accessible as an over-the-counter product. This same stigma might prevent a student from going to the pharmacy to obtain the lifesaving opioid reversal medication. With an exponential rise in deaths related to opioid-laced substances, the pressure associated with campus party culture, and the stress that comes with transitioning into college, equipping students with Narcan is empowering them to save a life. Having Narcan on campus for free, with discrete and convenient access, could be the difference between the end of someone’s story or the beginning of a journey in recovery.
Emergency contraceptives
In the aftermath of the Dobbs decision, as student advocates, we explored ways to improve accessibility and affordability of reproductive healthcare resources, like emergency contraceptives on campus. Emergency contraceptives, like Plan B, can be used when standard contraceptives fail or were not used. Plan B is time-sensitive: in order to be effective, it needs to be taken within 72 hours, but it is more effective the sooner it is taken. Students encounter barriers to accessing emergency contraceptives, such as cost, lack of transportation and stigma. Here at MSU, the closest drug stores sell Plan B for around $50. The MSU pharmacy sells emergency contraceptives at a discounted rate; however, the pharmacy is located off campus with no direct bus route.
To address this unmet need, we founded an organization, East Lansing Free Emergency Contraceptives , or ELFreeEC, where we distribute free safer sex products, including Plan B, to students and community members. We began operation in October 2023 and since then have distributed over 3,000 free emergency contraceptives, saving students approximately $150,000.
Having emergency contraceptives readily available on campus both destigmatizes sexual health care and gives students peace of mind. We were inspired by student reproductive health activists at other universities and researched how other universities handled these same issues. We determined that a health vending machine was the best way to ensure sustainable access to affordable emergency contraceptives for students. Health vending machines offer a means for students to access emergency contraception in a manner that is timely, confidential and convenient.
The collaboration
After nearly two years of conversations with students, administrators and community stakeholders, we received approval for the installation of the vending machine. On Oct. 11, MSU’s first health vending machine officially opened for use. The vending machine is located in the MSU Student Union, which is open past 5:00 p.m. and on weekends. The health vending machine contains a variety of products, including reduced-price emergency contraceptives, pregnancy tests, pain relievers, and other personal healthcare products. The vending machine also contains free Narcan–a lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medication. The health vending machine will be maintained by the vending machine company, just like a vending machine that sells candy or chips.
This pilot health vending machine is the first stage in this program. We hope to bring several more health vending machines on campus so students can make decisions that are right for their own sexual and reproductive healthcare. Challenging barriers to healthcare is critical for students to make and exercise informed, independent decisions about their bodies.