Officials last week announced Philadelphia's first licensed mobile methadone program, bringing treatment directly into neighborhoods where access to care can be limited.
The Merakey Mobile Methadone Unit officially launched Friday, Sept. 25, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS).
The mobile RV will travel to underserved areas across the city and operate 365 days a year. The goal is to provide low-barrier, short-term treatment before connecting patients with traditional treatment providers for longer-term care, officials said.
The unit is licensed by DDAP to provide medication-assisted treatment, including methadone, for people diagnosed with opioid use disorder.
“This mobile unit is literally going to meet Philadelphians where they are — that is a huge incentive for individuals to continue with their treatment,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “By partnering with the city and Merakey, I’m confident even more Philadelphians are going to get the care they need to recover.”
The mobile program is designed to address some of the barriers that can make it difficult for people to access substance use disorder treatment, including transportation, housing instability and medical needs, officials said during last week's launch.
Services offered through the unit include same-day substance use disorder medication, medication maintenance, wound care, counseling and peer support. Staff will also provide “warm handoffs” to longer-term treatment programs.
The unit will be staffed by physicians, nurses, counselors, certified peer specialists and recovery specialists.
Philadelphia DBHIDS Commissioner Kehinde Solanke said the program reflects the department's focus on improving access to behavioral health services.
“The launch of Merakey’s Mobile Methadone Unit is an example of what is possible when we bring compassion, innovation, and partnership together,” Solanke said.
The mobile unit has already been operating in a soft-launch phase at the Kensington Wellness Support Center.
During that period, more than 300 people began methadone treatment through the program, and 96 people were stabilized and connected with outpatient programs for longer-term care, according to Merakey.
Merakey CEO Joe Martz said the mobile model allows the organization to move services into communities where traditional treatment can be difficult to access.
“Transportation limitations, housing instability, medical needs, and other barriers can prevent people from receiving lifesaving care,” said Martz. “The mobile unit gives us the flexibility to respond to the changing needs of our city by mobilizing services where they are needed most."
The unit will continue traveling throughout Philadelphia, with the aim of helping people begin treatment and connect with longer-term services.
MORE: State expands free naloxone access in Philadelphia
