"Convenience, Quickness, and Compassion": Experiences of People Involved in the Criminal-Legal System Accessing Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Services From a Mobile Unit in Chicago.
Martinford, Toni; Watson, Dennis P.; Messmer, Sarah; Rashid, Leyla; Staton, Monte; Dennis, Michael L.; Grella, Christine E.; Elmes-Patel, Abigail
Why this matters
People leaving the criminal legal system describe what makes a mobile program usable in concrete terms. Thirteen interviews in Chicago pointed to onsite dispensing, walk-in appointments, and a non-judgmental environment as what worked, with incarceration, transportation, and not knowing the schedule as what got in the way.
Abstract
This study explored experiences of people with OUD and recent criminal-legal system involvement receiving addiction treatment from a Mobile MOUD programme in Chicago. Thirteen interviews were conducted. Participants overwhelmingly praised the non-judgmental, approachable, and trustworthy environment. Key facilitators included onsite MOUD dispensing, walk-in appointments, and comprehensive medical services. Barriers included incarceration, transportation, and schedule/service awareness.