State residents will soon have access to over-the-counter medications through vending machines.

In 2023, the state Legislature voted to approve state regulations that would allow the sale of medications without a prescription through vending machines to increase access.

Over the past year, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) has worked to revise the regulations and approved the changes on Tuesday.

“As soon as the regulations go into effect, which could be as soon as this week, then an application will be made available for anyone who wants to install these machines to apply,” Kaitlyn Krasselt, director of communications for the CT Department of Consumer Protection . , said.

Krasselt said people may start to see vending machines popping up outside existing pharmacies to allow access to medications without a prescription after hours, as well as rest areas along Interstate 95 .

The vending machines will provide medications such as allergy medications, inflammation medications, cold medications, as well as Narcan and Plan B.

Narcan is the medication used to reverse opioid overdoses and Plan B is an emergency contraceptive that prevents pregnancy.

Dr. Benjamin Oldfield of Fair Haven Health Community Center said this is a positive step for the state.

Although he believes people have equitable access to these medications in New Haven, he believes it will benefit rural communities and younger patients.

“Particularly younger generations, accustomed to shopping without involving human interactions, may be more comfortable going to a vending machine,” said Lt. Daniel Sullivan, New City EMS supervisor. Haven.

Sullivan said it would be a good thing to give people more access, especially to Narcan.

“As part of the Narcan lifesaving measure, I believe it is invaluable to be able to make this drug readily available to the public to save someone’s life,” Sullivan said.

On average, New Haven firefighters count up to about 1,500 reported overdoses in the city of New Haven and about 160 in the month of October.

The department has distributed Narcan 109 times this year, according to Sullivan.