Mobile health center helps bring resources amid country’s opioid crisis
The Mobile Medication Unit, in collaboration with VIP Community Services and Office of Addiction Services and Support, is offering opioid treatment services as well as clinical services for residents, extending access to resources like physical exams, counseling and peer support and its effort is to combat overdose deaths citywide.
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As the opioid crisis continues nationwide, one local facility is bringing several resources to New Yorkers.
The Mobile Medication Unit, in collaboration with VIP Community Services and Office of Addiction Services and Support, is offering opioid treatment services as well as clinical services for residents, extending access to resources like physical exams, counseling and peer support and its effort is to combat overdose deaths citywide.
"It’s too hard to reach clients, clients who may be lacking stable housing, clients who may be in residential treatment shelter-based care nursing homes,” said VIP Community Services Senior Vice President Justin Mitchell.
The city’s Health Department says citywide, 4,233 overdose deaths involving any opioid were reported in 2020 - a 44% increase from deaths reported in 2019.
"Coming on a regular basis, coming for the very first time and really that's our hope is that the mobile unit will provide a bridge for those individuals,” added Mitchell.
The mobile unit is travelling across the city and will be available for residents Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays.
