Evaluating the implementation and impact of harm reduction vending machines in veterans supportive housing settings: a mixed-methods study protocol

Findings will provide essential evidence on how HRVMs may reduce longstanding access barriers and expand delivery of life-saving harm reduction supplies to underserved Veterans. This study is the first to evaluate HRVMs in Veterans supportive housing and among this population disproportionately affected by substance use, stigma, and homelessness. Results may inform the expansion of community-based and VA SSPs nationwide. Study strengths include a theory-informed design, real-world implementation data, and attention to user and staff experiences. Limitations include reliance on self-report data, lack of a control group, and limited generalizability beyond Veterans. Future research may examine long-term health outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and feasibility of HRVMs scaled up in diverse settings. Findings from this study may guide policymakers and public health practitioners in integrating HRVMs into broader harm reduction strategies to prevent overdose, infections, and other adverse outcomes.