Implementation of mobile medical units for naloxone distribution and MOUD linkage in Ohio's HEALing Communities Study: a community case study.
Rubi, Sofia; Ingram, Tim; Brown, Jennifer L; Sprunger, Joel; Matherny, Paul; Lyons, Michael S; Winhusen, T John
Abstract
UNLABELLED: Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, and medication for opioid use disorder have been found to effectively combat opioid-related overdose and death. However, cost and access remain considerable barriers for many individuals at the highest risk of opioid-related overdoses. Similarly, many struggle to access medications for opioid use disorder because of the limited availability of treatment facilities and inadequate transportation options. Within the broader HEALing Communities Study, some Ohio communities elected to use mobile medical units to support delivery of naloxone and medications for opioid use disorder. This community case study describes the implementation experiences reported by Intervention Facilitators in each county on mobile medical unit deployment, including barriers, facilitators, and operational considerations. The observations provide practical insights that may be useful for future MMU implementation efforts. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04111939.