Washington State Provides Grants for Wellness Vending Machines on College Campuses
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Washington State Provides Grants for Wellness Vending Machines on College Campuses
States are beginning to recognize the importance of wellness vending machines in improving student health and success. Washington has taken a leadership role by creating a grant program that funds public colleges to install and stock health vending machines.
The Washington Grant Program
According to the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), the state legislature allocated nearly $200,000 in FY2024 and $230,000 in FY2025 for health vending machine grants. Eligible public colleges can apply for up to $10,000 per institution to cover machine purchase, installation, and stocking.
The goal of the program is to increase student access to affordable wellness products, especially outside of health center hours. Priority funding is given to institutions that did not receive grants in the prior year.
Why Wellness Vending?
The Washington program acknowledges that limited access to over-the-counter (OTC) medications and health products can negatively impact student success. By funding wellness vending machines, the state is addressing barriers of:
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Availability — 24/7 access, even when health centers are closed
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Affordability — subsidized products at student-friendly prices
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Equity — ensuring access for all students regardless of resources
A Model for Other States
Washington’s investment shows how state-level support can drive student health outcomes. Similar programs are being explored or piloted in California, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Colleges outside Washington can use this precedent to advocate for local or state-level funding.
Partnering With My BIO TESTS
At My BIO TESTS, we help colleges implement wellness vending solutions — whether funded through state grants or provided via our Placement Program at no cost to your institution.
If your state doesn’t yet offer grants, My BIO TESTS can still install, stock, and maintain your machine at no cost.