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.

Elly Morillo

Jul 20, 2023, 11:54 PM

Updated 289 days ago

Share:

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.


More from News 12
1:25
Delays and road closures expected for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour

Delays and road closures expected for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour

2:17
Steady rain, chilly Sunday in New York City; warmer start to workweek

Steady rain, chilly Sunday in New York City; warmer start to workweek

0:32
NYPD: Man pistol-whipped taxi driver in Olinville, fired shots at vehicle; suspect sought

NYPD: Man pistol-whipped taxi driver in Olinville, fired shots at vehicle; suspect sought

1:48
FDNY: Rooftop fire spreads into apartment in Crown Heights

FDNY: Rooftop fire spreads into apartment in Crown Heights

1:22
Early Red Nose Day festivities kick off in Dumbo

Early Red Nose Day festivities kick off in Dumbo

2:06
Community-run green space needs help to keep produce growing

Community-run green space needs help to keep produce growing

2:13
FDNY: 1 critical, firefighter injured in East Flatbush apartment fire

FDNY: 1 critical, firefighter injured in East Flatbush apartment fire

2:06
New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

2:00
Families devastated after learning 2 Brooklyn Catholic schools will be shutting down

Families devastated after learning 2 Brooklyn Catholic schools will be shutting down

1:44
Inaugural ceremony held at Claremont Park for Rolando Paulino Little League teams

Inaugural ceremony held at Claremont Park for Rolando Paulino Little League teams

1:23
Paddlers take on Bronx River during ‘Amazing Bronx River Flotilla’

Paddlers take on Bronx River during ‘Amazing Bronx River Flotilla’

1:57
NYPD, DOT officials launch plan aimed to keep motorcyclists, drivers safe

NYPD, DOT officials launch plan aimed to keep motorcyclists, drivers safe

2:14
Co-op City Little League kicks off the baseball season

Co-op City Little League kicks off the baseball season

1:32
Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

2:05
New COVID memorial featured at entrance to Green-Wood Cemetery

New COVID memorial featured at entrance to Green-Wood Cemetery

1:37
Bushwick man who lives near site of fire expresses concerns about air pollution

Bushwick man who lives near site of fire expresses concerns about air pollution

1:22
Weather and road closures: What to Know About The TD Five Boro Bike Tour

Weather and road closures: What to Know About The TD Five Boro Bike Tour

1:40
NYPD: 1 person dead, another injured in overnight double shooting in Brownsville

NYPD: 1 person dead, another injured in overnight double shooting in Brownsville

1:53
Brooklyn-based program helps teens stay away from trouble by teaching life skills

Brooklyn-based program helps teens stay away from trouble by teaching life skills

1:33
Bushwick resident expresses concern about air pollution following Bushwick supermarket fire

Bushwick resident expresses concern about air pollution following Bushwick supermarket fire