Despite the overwhelming evidence on the effectiveness of the medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder (MOUD), researchers found that in 2021, of the estimated 2.5 million people aged 18 and older with an opioid use disorder (OUD), only 1 in 5 of them received medications to treat it. The severity of untreated OUD is particularly devastating among underserved Black communities, with a growing body of research documenting the racial disparity in opioid overdose death rates.  

The provision of MOUD via mobile units is an evidence-based approach to improving access to care, by widening the net of available services particularly to individuals in underserved areas who are unable to access traditional brick and mortar facilities. In September 2021, FGC received a 5-year award through SAMHSA to provide mobile MOUD services in Chicago. Between January 2022 and September 2024, 1,065 unique patients were served on FGC’s mobile unit. The majority (71%) were male, African American (73%), and average age was 50 years, closely mirroring the populations most impacted by opioid overdose in Chicago. Baseline intake data indicates a high percentage of housing instability and homelessness (37%), unemployment (62%), and co-occurring mental health conditions (78%). Patients who completed a six-month follow-up survey demonstrate statistically significant increases in quality-of-life scores, satisfaction with personal relationships, days of reported abstinence from opioid use, lower symptoms of depression and anxiety, and higher receipt of prescription psychotropic medications.  

This presentation will detail the regulatory, financial, clinical, and community involvement aspects of program implementation that were critical to the success of FGC’s mobile MOUD program. Information about lessons learned will be instrumental in assisting emerging mobile unit programs facing similar implementation issues. In particular, the role of Peer Recovery Specialists on the FGC mobile unit will be discussed as an essential program element, which was found to facilitate a high rate of engagement in treatment (69%) as well as initial MOUD access. Lastly, the presenters will discuss data collection and share baseline and follow-up data on the individuals receiving medication induction services since the program’s inception.  

Learning Objectives: Understand the clinical best practices associated with mobile MOUD provision Develop knowledge of successful strategies for community engagement in implementation of mobile MOUD services Learn the regulatory requirements involved in establishing a mobile MOUD program