CHESTER, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — The future of public health is now in Delaware County, according to officials who have a new way of distributing health care supplies to residents.
The Delaware County Health Department has partnered with health care technology firm LTS to bring its “TestAndGo” kiosks to the county. The machines, made possible through a $200,000 state grant, are located outside of the Keystone First building in Chester, the Government Center in Media and the Yeadon Wellness Center.
“Any Delaware County resident can come up to one of our three machines and get free public health supplies,” said Lora Werner, the health department’s interim director. She says the new vending kiosks have COVID-19 and flu tests, condoms, feminine hygiene products, fentanyl test strips, Narcan and more.
Haley Tunney with LTS says the machines let users place orders through a touch screen on the front, allowing free, 24/7 access in exchange for filling out a brief questionnaire. “There’s no sensitive information given,” said Tunney. “It’s mostly an anonymous survey that is done for each product.”
Faith Goldsborough was on hand for the opening of the kiosk in Chester. “I think it’s a pretty good idea because, a lot of stuff that we need for our own benefit and health, we have to pay for it, and some of us don’t have enough money,” she said.
Meanwhile, the new machines caught Stephanie Ray by surprise. “I had no idea that this is what it was — and it’s a good thing, because a lot of things are going on here in Chester. I’m thankful, I’m happy that they have it here,” Ray said.
County health officials hope to eventually add STD testing to the kiosks. Residents can register for the kiosks online or in person at any of the three machines.