The first Mobile Medication Unit (MMU) is now open in the New York State. The new mobile unit will provide prevention, treatment, harm reduction and many primary healthcare services to high-need areas of New York City.
The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) announced its opening today. Operated by VIP Community Services, this program is being supported with $550,000 in federal funding under the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Supplemental Grant, administered by OASAS.
“This new mobile medication unit will serve a vital role in supporting our vision to meet people wherever they are, by allowing providers to bring services to those in need, in their communities, and addressing barriers that keep people from receiving treatment,” OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said. “It will allow more people to access medication for addiction, which is a proven, effective, and safe treatment, and will support their long-term health.”
This initiative is designed to help bring services to underserved areas and reach people who may face issues accessing treatment, by bringing services directly to them.
“We are grateful to OASAS for its ongoing support of our work, and for awarding VIP a grant to establish a Mobile Medication Unit,” says Debbian Fletcher-Blake, President and CEO of VIP Community Services. “MMU services are crucial to address the staggeringly high number of overdose-related deaths and align with VIP's mission to provide access to equitable care to communities in need."
New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).
Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website.
