Looking like a cross between an RV and a box truck, Howard Center’s Substance Use Services Mobile Unit hardly stands out, but for people who can’t get to a Howard Center location, the vehicle is a literal life saver.
Guests approaching the van at one of its stops in towns like Swanton or Richford are greeted by staff members sitting outside under a retractable awning, welcoming newcomers and familiar faces alike. “It changes things when you meet people in their own towns,” said one of the staff members who travel with the unit. “People are comfortable in their own place, and they take more time to talk. You can get to know someone better and help them get what they need. Sometimes people just want to talk for ten minutes without being judged.”
The van is available for anyone who needs or wants help for substance use or who wants to learn about services that are available. “We see folks with all kinds of circumstances and backgrounds,” said one of the staff. “Some people come to the van because they don’t have a car to get to another Howard Center location. Others don’t have a phone or a steady place to stay so its hard for them to make appointments, but if they know when we’ll be in their town or see us when we visit, they can drop in and know we’ll help them get what they need.”
“People enter recovery at all different sorts of stages, and our first task is to say, ‘What can we do to help you today?'” – Andrew Decker, Mobile Unit Program Supervisor
Onboard the van visitors enter an organized space where they can meet with a doctor in-person or through a telehealth call about getting a prescription to treat opioid use, chat with someone about getting other services, or pick up safe use supplies.
Fentanyl and Xylazine test strips, available at the mobile substance use treatment van.
People most often come for help with opioid use, but many visitors use other substances as well and there’s no judgement or stigma about that at the unit. “Fentanyl is so dangerous, and people are most concerned about that,” said one of the staff, “but we don’t judge anyone if they’re using another substance. We offer help and other Howard Center programs to address those things if people are ready, but nobody is ever refused help for opioid use because they’re using something else.”
Besides being mobile, another benefit of the van is that it doesn’t come with the medical office atmosphere that can be off-putting for so many. “Some people have had bad experiences with office-based providers and they’re just not comfortable in that situation. At the van we’re not wearing lab coats and carrying clip boards,” said a staff member.
On a recent visit to Swanton, a visitor got a prescription for medication to treat opioid use disorder. “I’ve been around drugs a long time, but Fentanyl is killing people and I don’t want any part of it,” he said. When asked if he would be interested in help to stop using other substances, he said, “maybe… one thing at a time.”
You can view hours, locations, contact information, and learn more on the Substance Use Services Mobile Unit webpage.