UIC Self-Care Station wellness vending machine offering students discreet after-hours access to OTC health products on campus

How UIC’s “Self-Care Station” Wellness Vending Machine Supports Student Health

How UIC’s “Self-Care Station” Wellness Vending Machine Supports Student Health

Colleges are increasingly turning to innovative solutions to address barriers that prevent students from accessing wellness supplies. One compelling example comes from the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford (UIC), which launched a “Self-Care Station” vending machine designed to provide students with easy, discreet access to health supplies after hours.

Why the Self-Care Station Was Needed

According to the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, the Self-Care Station was created to address three key barriers:

  1. Transportation — many students lacked convenient access to pharmacies.

  2. Availability — wellness supplies were often unavailable during evenings or weekends.

  3. Affordability — students needed low-cost options that fit tight budgets. (UIC College of Medicine Rockford)

By addressing these challenges, the program ensures that essential wellness products are available to students whenever they need them.

Benefits of Wellness Vending for Students

The UIC initiative demonstrates how wellness vending machines reduce barriers to care by offering:

  • 24/7 access to over-the-counter medications and wellness supplies

  • Discreet purchasing for sensitive health products

  • Affordable resources that promote equity among students

This model highlights how a simple, accessible tool can have a significant impact on student wellness and academic success.

A Model for Other Colleges

UIC’s “Self-Care Station” shows that wellness vending is more than a convenience — it’s a practical, scalable strategy that supports equity, inclusion, and student success. Colleges nationwide can replicate this model to reduce barriers and improve overall student health outcomes.

Partnering With My BIO TESTS

At My BIO TESTS, we help colleges bring these solutions to life. Our Wellness Vending Machine Placement Program includes installation, stocking, and maintenance — all at no cost to your institution.

Now is the time to act: reserve your machine today and ensure your students have access before flu and respiratory season begins.

Learn more about our wellness vending machine program

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