Wellness Express @ The ARCH
Wellness at Penn, along with our campus partners, is proud to bring an accessible vending machine to our students filled with free over-the-counter wellness products. Currently, we have one vending machine located on the third floor of the ARCH building (located at 3601 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104).
Available Products:
- Harm Reduction Supplies: Naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray and fentanyl test strips.
- You can request a Narcan training through Wellness at Penn's Workshop Requests, in partnership with MERT. You can also learn more about Narcan and watch a short instructional video here.
- For information about how to use fentanyl test strips, visit the CDC's website.
- Menstrual Products: Pads and tampons to help you stay prepared.
- COVID Rapid Tests: Quick and accessible COVID-19 testing kits to monitor your health.
- Hand Sanitizers: Portable options for clean hands wherever you are.
- Over-the-Counter Medications: Essentials like Advil and Tylenol for minor aches and pains.
- Sleep Kits: Includes hand sanitizer, lavender spray, an eye mask, and ear plugs to promote restful sleep.
- Cold Care Packs: Contains ibuprofen, thermadots, throat lozenges, and tea bags for symptom relief during cold and flu season.
- First Aid Kits: Essential items for treating minor cuts, scrapes, and injuries.
- Condoms: Safe and discreet options for practicing safer sex.
- Emergency Contraception (Plan B)*: Available for immediate, confidential access when needed.
*Note: For access to Ella, an alternative emergency contraception option, please contact Student Health and Counseling at 215-746-WELL for guidance and support. Access to these products should also include a consultation with our clinicians in Student Health and Counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the products cost?
All products in the Wellness Express machine are completely free! Simply tap your Penn ID to access the machine and choose the items you need.
When can I access the machine?
The machine is available during the ARCH building's open hours: 8 AM – 12 AM, Monday – Sunday. Be sure to bring your Penn ID to access the building as well as the products in the machine.
Why do I need to provide my Penn ID?
Your Penn ID is required for two purposes: accessing the ARCH building and retrieving products from the machine. Wellness at Penn will only collect minimal information associated with your ID swipe, allowing us to follow up with consumers if there is a product recall or other safety-related notification.
If you have further questions about data privacy, please contact Jackie Recktenwald, Director of Wellbeing Initiatives, at jamich@upenn.edu.
Is Penn the first University to have a vending machine for wellness products?
No, several of Penn's peer colleges and universities have introduced wellness vending machines at their institutions. A full list of those locations can be found here.
Who should I reach out to if I have feedback about the vending machine?
If you have feedback about the vending machine, please fill out this form, and a member of our team will follow up accordingly.
Contact Student Health and Counseling
Students can access our Get Help Now page for urgent resources. Wellness at Penn’s Student Health and Counseling services are available to support your needs. You can reach out for both medical care and counseling services:
Medical Care
3535 Market Street, Suite 100, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215-746-WELL (9355) available 24/7
Direct Line: 215-746-3535
Counseling
3624 Market Street, First Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215-746-WELL (9355) available 24/7
Direct Line: 215-898-7021
Hours of Operation
- Monday: 9 am – 7:30 pm
- Tuesday: 9 am – 7:30 pm
- Wednesday: 9 am – 7:30 pm
- Thursday: 10 am – 6 pm
- Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
- Saturday: 10 am – 3 pm
- Sunday: Closed
This initiative was made possible with support from the Trustees’ Council of Penn Women, University Life, the Undergraduate Assembly, the Graduate and Professional Student Association, and Penn Reproductive Justice.