PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Mayor Cherelle Parker celebrated Philadelphia's first mobile drug treatment program on Friday.
During operating hours, service provider Merakey keeps the mobile methadone van in a lot near one of its buildings near Lehigh and Kensington avenues. Substance use services director Josh Vigderman said the nonprofit has four brick-and-mortar treatment centers within a few miles, but since the mobile unit opened last October, it's now how most of its clients get connected to services.
Vigderman said seven smaller vehicles drive through the neighborhood to bring those seeking treatment to the van.
“It is in the heart of where the opioid epidemic has hit in Philadelphia, and what has been challenging is, with the substances that have been contaminated in opioids, like medetomidine and xylazine, it has made individuals who are struggling in their addiction challenged to get to programs,” Vigderman said.
Parker said 560 people have been connected to treatment through the program; 200 entered longer-term treatment.
“Ninety percent of those entering the program were unhoused or living in shelters at the time they entered care and now, guess what, they are on a path to self-sufficiency,” Parker said.
The Mayor said it vindicates her approach to go beyond harm reduction and create more accessible treatment.
