Nieto-Delaplane shared that the idea behind the vending machine was inspired by a concept seen in Austin. “A lot of people do not want to come up and talk to you about it. There are a lot of cultural implications around Plan B. [But now], they can just go to a vending machine, hit a button, get a free one, and mind their business with no questions asked. We want to be respectful and mindful of all the circumstances,” he said. 

Soon, a new dispenser will be placed in Weslaco outside Pokey’s Planet, which will allow minors to have access to it. In the next couple of months and the near future, other ones should appear in cities such as San Antonio and Brownsville. 

The first vending machine of its kind in the Valley was placed in late February this year. Since then, around 2,000 Plan B’s and 1,000 Narcan have been distributed. 

James Alexander, owner of The Flying Walrus, said the relationship between the bar and Red Star Texas began last October when the organization hosted an event there. 

“The Flying Walrus can’t take any credit for doing this. This is all the willpower and the hard work of the various members like Sam Nieto, Sarah Chavez and various others that did the work.” Alexander said. 

Alexander also shared his thoughts about placing the vending machine inside the bar, “All The Flying Walrus had to do was say, ‘Yes.’ When I was approached with [the idea], to me, [it was] a no-brainer. Helping people and doing it at virtually no cost, how do you say no?” 

Alexander added that the community should feel free to use these products. “You may not do drugs, but if you attend events where others may or may not, you should carry these products with you in the hope that you never need them but in the assurance that if you do, you have them. It’s about the community you’re in, and [what] makes these charity groups so exceptional is that they’re trying to help the whole community,” he said. 

Aldair Quiroz, a bartender at The Flying Walrus, said people are usually excited to see the vending machine, but others have taken advantage. “People will sometimes take ten Plan B’s. I tell them, ‘If you want to take five, that’s okay, but not 15 to flip them.’ They are free for a reason,” Quiroz said. By flip them, Quiroz implied that people were taking an excessive amount of free Plan B to resell. 

Quiroz also believes the machine allows those with lower incomes or limited resources to have access. According to him, patrons are always curious and ask if they have to pay, which leads them to a good surprise.