North Carolina Expands Mobile Opioid Treatment with New Unit in Greensboro
In a significant step towards combating opioid addiction, North Carolina has introduced its second Mobile Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) with a new unit based in Greensboro. Managed by New Season Treatment Center, this initiative will cater to the needs of Greensboro and its neighboring Triad areas. Mobile OTPs, which dispense medication to individuals with substance use disorders, have been recognized as the most effective form of treatment. This expansion follows the launch of the first mobile OTP unit in Wake County last summer by Morse Clinics.
“We are committed to meeting people where they are on their journey to recovery,” stated Debra Farrington, NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for Health. “We are grateful for partnerships with New Season Treatment Center and others that increase access to care and ensure everyone who needs treatment can receive it in the setting that is right for them.”
Highlighting the efficacy of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), Kelly Crosbie MSW, LCSW, NCDHHS Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services commented, “When combined with counseling and peer support, MAT gives people the best chance at long-term recovery. Mobile opioid treatment programs will help bring that hope and healing closer to home, making it easier for folks to start and stay on their recovery journey.”
The Greensboro mobile unit, operational since November 13, serves as an extension of New Season’s Greensboro Treatment Center. It aims to deliver Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and telehealth services directly to patients in underserved regions of Guilford County and nearby communities.
In collaboration with Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the unit operates from 6 – 10:30 a.m. Monday-Friday at the church’s location on 200 N. Regan St. in Greensboro. The church is notably the home church of New Season Program Director Preston Evans.
Expressing gratitude for local partnerships, Matthew Ruffner, New Season Senior Regional Director of Operations for the Carolinas, remarked, “We are very thankful for the relationship that we have been able to develop with Rev. Dr. Clay C. Barrow,” emphasizing the shared community service mission between the organizations.
New Season, which operates treatment facilities across 20 states, including nine in North Carolina, aims to replicate the success of its first mobile unit launched in Portland, Oregon, in summer 2024. “We recognize the benefit and impact it can have on individuals who have transportation barriers,” said Ruffner. “This will help serve individuals in need, remove barriers and impact the community. We hope to add additional stops as we get going and established so we can serve more individuals in the community.”
Plans are in place for six more mobile OTPs to be operational by mid-next year, funded by Hurricane Helene relief funds provided to Vaya Health via NCDHHS. These units will be managed by Behavioral Health Group in Clyde, Hazelwood Healthcare in Franklin, Crossroads Treatment Center in Weaverville, Stepping Stone in Boone, and Vance Recovery in Henderson. Additional units from private providers in Raleigh and Charlotte are also awaiting approval and could commence operations either by the end of the year or early 2026.
Read More Here
