Mobile Medication Unit

VIP's Mobile Medication Unit (MMU)

VIP’s Mobile Medication Unit (MMU) will expand opioid treatment program services through community-basedVIP’s Mobile Medication Unit (MMU) expands opioid treatment program services through community-based partnerships with long-term care facilities, congregate settings such as residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs, shelters, and correctional facilities. partnerships with long-term care facilities, congregate settings such as residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs, shelters, and correctional facilities. MMU services will increase VIP’s geographic reach and will reduce barriers to accessing Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in the NYC boroughs.

VIP’s MMU Services include:

  • Medication induction, administration and observation of methadone and buprenorphine
  • Initial and annual physical examinations
  • Counseling services (hybrid in-person/remote availability)
  • Peer support services (hybrid in-person/remote availability)
  • Vocational counseling (hybrid in-person/remote availability)
  • Opioid overdose prevention and education
VIP’s MMU staffing include:
  • Registered Nurse
  • Counselor
  • Client Care Coordinator
  • Medical Provider
  • Peer Support Specialist

VIP’s MMU will operate six days per week between the hours of 7:00AM and 3:00PM on weekdays and 7:00AM and 12:00PM on Saturday. 

For more information, contact Ellen Hoffman, Assistant Vice President, Medication-Assisted Treatment, at 718-466-8954 or ehoffman@vipservices.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

The MMU is an extension of VIP’s Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) with the ability to provide access to medications for opioid use disorder, including both methadone and buprenorphine. Mobile units can improve access to evidence-based treatment for opioid-use disorder (OUD) in rural areas, underserved urban areas and for those who are without stable housing.

Access to services to address the ongoing opioid crisis and to provide services for people with substance use disorders is critical. A mobile unit can go where services are needed but not available, thereby increasing access, effectively expanding OTP services.

  • Mobile units can go where people may congregate—such as residential treatment programs, nursing homes, homeless shelters, tent cities, and correctional facilities. Mobile units can provide an effective method of delivering treatment services to individuals within these settings who may find it difficult to access treatment within an OTP.

Stringent federal and state regulations that govern OTP services, and by extension MMUs, are established and monitored by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), and OASAS (Office of Addiction Services and Supports).

The vehicle is about the size of a school bus and includes space for medication administration, brief counseling services and medical assessments. Medication is securely stored, accessible only to designated staff and is returned to the OTP at the end of each day. Clients receive medication through a dedicated dispensing area at the rear of the vehicle and can access clinical/medical services through a separate entrance. Security features include a safe for medication storage, a central monitored alarm system, internal and external security cameras, and vehicle GPS. 

Medication induction, administration and observation of methadone and buprenorphine; Initial and annual physical examinations; Counseling; Peer support; and Opioid overdose prevention and education.

The MMU will be staffed by a Registered Nurse, a Client Care Coordinator, a Driver, and a Security Guard. A Medical Provider and Peer Specialist will be physically present at scheduled intervals.

VIP’s MMU will operate six days per week between 7:00AM and 3:00PM on weekdays, and 7:00AM and 12:00PM on Saturdays.

VIP Community Services was awarded a total of $550K from OASAS to purchase and outfit the vehicle and to support startup operations. Ongoing OTP medication and clinical/medical services are reimbursed by Medicaid and other third-party payers.

The MMU currently operates in both Manhattan and Queens and is looking for partners to provide services at designated locations throughout NYC. 

Unprecedented rates of overdose deaths call for innovative programs that expand access to and engagement in overdose prevention and treatment services. Our MMU will allow us to reach people who may find it difficult to access treatment, be it due to the operating hours, their geographical proximity to the nearest source of existing treatment, or due to their current housing status. 

In November of 2021, OASAS issued a request for applications to launch MMU services in New York State. As a well-established OTP located in the epicenter of New York’s ongoing opioid epidemic, VIP was awarded funding for this project. VIP’s MMU supports our ongoing mission of providing vital clinical, mental, and behavioral health and social services to residents of the Bronx and greater NYC. 

VIP Community Services offers comprehensive and integrated medical, behavioral health, housing, and wraparound services that are equitable and promote positive outcomes for the people served, their families, and the community.

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