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After Washington State Department of Health sunsetted their Kiosk Program in March of 2025, Wahkiakum County lost its only discreet, 24-hour free healthcare product dispenser. Wahkiakum County Health & Human Services was fortunate to operate one of the 20 kiosks in the entire state, and residents made good use of it. The latest numbers provided showed an average of 121 dispenses each month that the machine was in operation.

These numbers showed a dramatic increase from many of the same products that were already available at the health department and the Hope Center and Johnson Park Campuses. The increase could have been due to its central location, ease of access, or simply because it required no interaction with other people.

Encouraged by the steady use of the kiosk, Wahkiakum County Health & Human Services saw a need to keep this service in the community. The cost of operating the machine from DOH was prohibitive, so WCHHS explored grant options to keep this needed resource in Wahkiakum. After a few months, WCHHS brought back not one but two self-serve machines: one on the porch of town hall in Cathlamet, and another outside Johnson Park by the food pantry entrance.

Residents can expect many of the same healthcare products as the first machine DOH supplied – products that help protect the community from the spread of infectious disease, as well as preventing injury and death. Many of these products were supplied by CHOICE Regional Health Network, who gave $2,500 to support the startup of the kiosks.

Leading up to the delivery of the new machines, the community voiced its support on social media.

“What a wonderful resource,” one resident commented, “Thank you so much!”

 Another added: “Narcan does save lives.”

At the end of February, a ribbon cutting was held at Johnson Park, where the first machine was placed, stocked, and put online. Attendees included local residents, West End Food Pantry volunteers, Wahkiakum County Commissioner Mark Letham, and employees of Health & Human Services.

Earlier this month, WCHHS held a second ribbon cutting for the machine on the porch of Cathlamet Town Hall.

Before cutting the ribbon, Mayor Nick Sevald made a speech to mark the occasion.

“We are all friends and neighbors,” he stated. “We are all a family. We help others in need as others are there for us when we need them. WCHHS embodies this spirit. While they may not have a cup of sugar for us to borrow, the hardworking people of HHS have been able to provide the community with things we rely on every day. For example, the kiosks, Wahkiakum on the Move, the food pantries, and mental health services are just a few of the many offerings that make living here that much better.”

For questions about products or to become a sponsor, please call Public Health Nurse Stacy Wynn at (360) 795-8630.

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