ΙΣΤΟΤΟΠΟΣ 2ης ΠΕΡΙΦΕΡΕΙΑΣ ΣΧΟΛΙΚΟΥ ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΟΥ ΔΗΜΟΤΙΚΗΣ ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΣΗΣ ΗΛΕΙΑΣ

This initiative was first spurred in response to UC Davis implementing similar facilities on their campus. According to John Bollard, the Chief of Operations and Chief Financial Officer for Ashe, several Ashe administrators visited the Davis campus in order to assess how the machine was implemented. This excursion served as the starting point for UCLA’s own vending machine initiative.

However, Ashe’s administration sought to take the vending machine initiative a step further than fellow UCs, placing more emphasis on the social and community-based effects that the machines’ implementation could have.

Inside, consumers can find a large range of products, including male condoms, female condoms, emergency contraception (Plan , and lubrication. While a large component of this initiative revolved around making such products more geographically accessible, Mr Bollard emphasized the significant price reduction in emergency contraception. When purchased from an area pharmacy, the morning-after pill is typically priced at around $50, which is a steep sum to pay for a majority of college students. The Plan B found in the vending machines costs $20, which is a tremendous reduction in price — one that can alleviate emergency family planning methods for many.

Furthermore, the very public sites where the two sex vending machines are located were specifically chosen due to their high volume of foot traffic. Not only do such spaces allow for accessibility, but it is also aimed at facilitating a dialogue on the UCLA campus regarding family planning and methods of safe sex. According to Mr. Bollard, approximately 19,000 people walk through the A level of Ackerman Union per day. Meanwhile, the machine located on the Hill can be accessed by residents 24 hours a day.