Isla Vista Health & Safety Vending Machine
The Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) is proud to introduce the Health & Safety Vending Machine, located on the patio of the Isla Vista Community Center at 976 Embarcadero Del Mar. This innovative resource provides 24/7 access to essential health and harm reduction supplies—completely free of charge.
What’s inside the vending machine?
- Naloxone Nasal Spray (Narcan®) – A life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses. After administering Narcan, always call 911.
- Fentanyl and Xylazine Test Strips – Tools to help detect harmful substances in drugs.
- Emergency Contraceptives – For reproductive health NEWLY RESTOCKED & sponsored by Planned Parenthood
- Condoms – To support sexual health and prevent disease transmission.
- Safe Syringe Kits – For those in need of sterile injection equipment.
- Drink Test Kits - Drink spiking happens, test your drinks for Ketamine, GHB, Scopolamine, Cocaine, and more. Kits also include a reusable drink cover and other safety tips from STESA.
- Rapid HIV Tests – No longer available, please see Planned Parenthood for rapid results and medication.
- STI Test Kits - No longer available, please see Planned Parenthood for rapid results and medication.
Where to Find It & Hours:
The vending machine is located outdoors on the patio of the Isla Vista Community Center, 976 Embarcadero Del Mar, Isla Vista, CA 93117. Accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. No appointment, ID, or insurance is required.
How to Use the Vending Machine:
Using the machine is simple and anonymous:
1. Walk up to the machine any time, day or night.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts, which ask a few short questions to help direct you to the right supplies.
3. Select the item(s) you need and collect them from the dispenser.
You don't need to give your name, show ID, or explain why you're there.
Why the vending machine matters:
Opioid overdoses remain a serious public health crisis in Santa Barbara County, and Isla Vista (home to a large population of young adults and UC Santa Barbara students) has not been immune. Having free, anonymous access to naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl test strips, and other harm reduction supplies can mean the difference between life and death. The machine also removes common barriers (cost, stigma, and limited clinic hours) to essentials like emergency contraception, condoms, and drink-spiking test kits. IVCSD staff monitor and restock the machine regularly so it continues to meet the community's evolving needs.
How It's Stocked & Maintained:
IVCSD staff regularly monitor and maintain the vending machine to ensure it’s stocked and functioning optimally. The machine automatically tracks inventory and usage data, helping us adjust supplies based on community needs. Our partners at Aegis are available to support any technical issues with the machine.
Our Partners and Funding:
This project is made possible thanks to partnerships with Aegis and the Pacific Pride Foundation, who help stock the vending machine with critical supplies. Additionally, grant funding helps cover the costs of many of the products. IVCSD funds the subscription and internet service required for the machine’s operation in addition to some supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes. Every item in the machine, including Narcan, fentanyl test strips, Plan B, condoms, HIV tests, and safe syringe kits, is completely free of charge.
No. The machine is anonymous and available to anyone. You don't need to show ID, provide insurance information, or make an appointment.
It's on the outdoor patio of the Isla Vista Community Center, 976 Embarcadero Del Mar, Isla Vista, CA 93117.
The machine is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
No. The machine is open to the public. Anyone in the community can use it.
Narcan is a nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose in minutes. If you or someone nearby may be experiencing an overdose, administer Narcan and always call 911 right away, even if the person seems to recover, additional medical care is still needed.
These strips let you test drugs for the presence of fentanyl or xylazine before use, which can help reduce the risk of an accidental overdose. They don't guarantee a substance is safe - only that these specific substances weren't detected.
Yes, supplies are monitored and restocked regularly by IVCSD and Planned Parenthood to ensure freshness.
STI test kits are currently unavailable in the machine. For STI testing, contact Planned Parenthood Santa Barbara.
Rapid HIV tests are currently unavailable in the machine. For HIV testing, contact Planned Parenthood Santa Barbara.
Safe syringe kits provide sterile injection equipment to reduce the spread of bloodborne infections like HIV and hepatitis C associated with syringe reuse.
Drink test kits let you check a beverage for common drink-spiking substances, including ketamine, GHB, scopolamine, and cocaine. Kits also include a reusable drink cover and safety tips provided by STESA (Stand Together to End Sexual Assault).
IVCSD staff monitor and restock the machine regularly. Aegis Treatment Centers and the Pacific Pride Foundation supply many of the health products, and Aegis also provides technical support for the machine itself.
The project is funded through a combination of state grant funding, partner contributions from Aegis and the Pacific Pride Foundation, and IVCSD, which covers the machine's subscription/internet service and some supplies.
Yes, it was the first health and safety vending machine of its kind in Santa Barbara County when it launched in October 2024.
Use the IVCSD Health & Safety Vending Machine Feedback Form to report issues or share suggestions.
UCSB students can also pick up naloxone and fentanyl test strips through Gauchos for Recovery at Embarcadero Hall, Room 1105. Narcan is also available free at the emergency departments of Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, and Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital.
Call Pinnacle Treatmemt Centers at 1857-466-2253 or text 844-303-5347 or the National Helpline for Mental Health, Drug, and Alochol support at 1-800-622-4357.
Give Us Feedback:
As the machine is used, we will continue to adapt its offerings based on feedback from the community. We encourage users to share their thoughts via this feedback form to ensure we are meeting the community’s evolving needs.