Laredo, TX – Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) joined People with Ideas of Love, Liberty, Acceptance, and Respect (PILLAR) in unveiling a new harm reduction vending machine in Laredo. The vending machine was made possible by $1,196,880 in federal funding for PILLAR’s Project Positive Affirmation at Work (PAW).

Located at Laredo’s Fire Station #3, Project PAW’s harm reduction vending machine will offer 24/7 access to life-saving resources free of charge for individuals who are engaging in substance abuse or at risk of substance abuse. This includes Narcan, hygiene kits, and fentanyl drug testing kits. The vending machine has the potential to help approximately 500 individuals.

“Last year, I helped secure $1,196,880 in federal funding for PILLAR’s Project PAW to enhance overdose and prevention services. We’re seeing the benefit of that today. Project PAW’s harm reduction vending machine will provide free resources for Laredoans suffering from mental health and substance use disorders, and enable them to live healthy lives,” said Dr. Cuellar, a Senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Thank you to PILLAR Co-Founders Arturo Diaz, Jr., and Manuel Sanchez for working with me to deliver for Laredo.”

“PILLAR would like to wholeheartedly thank Dr. Henry Cuellar for his assistance in getting the self-service vending machine via a SAMHSA grant,” said Arturo Diaz, PILLAR Co-Founder. “The self-service vending machine is accessible 24/7 and is filled with harm reduction lifesaving and disease prevention supplies such as naloxone to help prevent overdose.”

Recently, Dr. Cuellar secured $2,000,000 in federal funding for PILLAR’s Project Re-entry and Treatment Network. The funds, awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, will be used to provide re-entry services, treatment, and recovery support services for 330 individuals over a 5-year period.

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