North Carolina Introduces First Mobile Opioid Treatment Program
North Carolina has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to tackle opioid addiction with the unveiling of its first Mobile Opioid Treatment Program. First Lady Anna Stein marked the occasion at a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside Kelly Crosbie, the Director of the NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services, and Dr. Eric Morse, the founder and president of Morse Clinics.
Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) are essential in providing Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) and support services like counseling, case management, and peer support. These programs are recognized as the gold standard for treating opioid use disorder, offering all FDA-approved medications.
First Lady Anna Stein emphasized, “People who struggle with substance use face many barriers on their road to recovery. Mobile OTPs will make it easier for people to begin the journey in their communities and stay on the path so they can live their best and most impactful lives.”
Research indicates that individuals enrolled in OTPs have higher survival rates. Since 2019, North Carolina has seen a 25% increase in OTP enrollments, with 31,641 individuals served in 2024 and a projection to exceed this number in 2025.
NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai stated, “We are committed to helping people who struggle with substance use obtain the appropriate services and supports they need to live a life in recovery. This state-of-the-art mobile unit is one of the many ways we are increasing access to care and creating a healthier North Carolina for all.”
These mobile units operate as extensions of existing brick-and-mortar OTPs. The initial unit, supported by Morse Clinics, offers MOUD and counseling services across several counties, including Wake, Chatham, Johnston, Halifax, and others.
Dr. Eric Morse highlighted the program’s significance, saying, “Launching North Carolina’s first mobile Opioid Treatment Program unit not only exemplifies our mission to meet people where they are and break down barriers to recovery; it’s a step in the right direction for our entire community. Now people have easier access to dosing locations so they can continue their treatment where it’s most convenient to them. No more choosing between taking off work or missing a court date. We’re here to support them on their road to recovery and set them up for success.”
Currently, Morse Clinics positions its mobile unit at Healing Transitions in Raleigh, providing essential services to those struggling with substance use. These mobile units cater to both the unhoused and visitors needing guest dosing in Raleigh.
The strategic plan of the NC Department of Health and Human Services aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and prevent substance misuse and overdose. Barriers such as stigma, cost, and time constraints often deter individuals from seeking treatment.
Six additional mobile OTPs may be operational by the year’s end, funded by Hurricane Helene relief funds through Vaya Health. These units will be run by organizations like Behavioral Health Group in Clyde and Hazelwood Healthcare in Franklin, among others. Further units in Raleigh, Greensboro, and Charlotte are in progress for approval.
Kelly Crosbie, NCDHHS Director, commented, “We are excited about more mobile units coming online to bring services to rural areas that may not have a clinic that can provide MOUD. Mobile units will expand access to treatment to rural areas where it can be hard for people to find transportation to get life-saving medications.”
North Carolina boasts 96 OTPs across 55 counties, serving patients in all 100 counties. Mobile units will extend treatment accessibility further. For a detailed map of OTP providers, visit online.
For more about mobile OTPs, take a virtual tour or watch the video here.
About Morse Clinics
Morse Clinics stands as a leading provider of evidence-based Opioid Use Disorder treatment in North Carolina. With nine locations across eight counties, the clinics offer MOUD counseling and support services tailored for individuals battling various opioids. Led by Dr. Eric Morse, an addiction psychiatrist with 23 years of experience, Morse Clinics is dedicated to expanding access to life-saving care. Learn more at https://www.morseclinics.com/.
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