CHILLICOTHE, OH — State and local leaders gathered in Chillicothe on Monday to unveil Ohio’s first-ever Mobile Medication Units (MMUs), a new initiative designed to bring lifesaving opioid use disorder treatment directly to underserved rural communities.
The project, a collaboration between the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), Anchor Addiction and Wellness Center, and the Paint Valley Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board, will deploy two fully equipped mobile units across seven southern Ohio counties.
“These units will connect individuals in high-need areas with medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder,” said DBH Interim Director Tia Marcel Moretti. “Data show that people are more likely to seek help when treatment is accessible to them. By meeting them where they are, we can improve retention and prevent overdoses.”
Ohio’s overdose rate has fallen over the past two years, according to the Ohio Department of Health, but rural areas continue to experience the highest death rates due to limited treatment access. Despite 51 of Ohio’s 88 counties being classified as rural or underserved, only 32 of the state’s 129 opioid treatment providers operate in those regions.
Paint Valley ADAMH Executive Director Melanie Swisher said the new units will serve a five-county area — along with neighboring Hocking and Vinton counties — to close that gap.
“When people have access to appropriate medications, it reduces illicit opioid use, improves overall health and functioning, and helps people stay engaged in recovery,” Swisher said.
The mobile units will be staffed by a medical provider, registered nurse, program director, driver, and security officer. They are licensed through the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and will dispense methadone, buprenorphine, and other approved medications directly to patients.
“While our primary focus will be treating those with opioid use disorder, our staff will also provide counseling, wound care, and case management,” said James Leman, CEO of Anchor Addiction and Wellness Center. “We expect to serve around 200 people in the first year and will coordinate closely with hospitals, law enforcement, and community groups to reach those in need.”
Ohio joins 17 other states currently operating MMUs. Funding for the initiative comes from a $1.7 million federal State Opioid and Stimulant Response grant awarded to the Paint Valley ADAMH Board.
Those interested in requesting Mobile Medication Unit services can call 740-779-6612.
