Did you know that nearly 108,000 people died from overdoses in 2022 alone? This heartbreaking statistic highlights the ongoing and severe impact of drug addiction across the U.S. If your organization wants to help those struggling with addiction, you might wonder how to make a real difference.
You understand that traditional methods aren’t always enough—many drug-addicted people simply can’t or won’t make it to a clinic, and the risks they face each day are life-threatening. The challenge lies in finding innovative ways to meet these individuals where they are and providing the support they desperately need.
After 10 years of manufacturing many types of mobile medical vans at AVAN Mobility, our experience shows us that no barrier or hurdle is too big for us to overcome. Our expertise in designing and manufacturing mobile medical vehicles allows us to create solutions that truly address the needs of those most at risk.
In this article, you’ll learn about what a MNTP (Mobile Narcotic Treatment Program) clinic is and how it works. We’ll explore how these mobile units can bring critical care directly to those who need it most, offering a lifeline in the fight against addiction.
Why don’t people struggling with addiction visit hospitals?
Patient mistreatment, stigma, lack of transportation, and financial issues—these are some reasons why many people with addiction don’t go to hospitals for help. But there are more reasons, too:
1. Bad past experiences: If someone had a bad experience at a hospital before, they might be scared to go back. Imagine overdosing on drugs and sitting in a waiting room with everyone staring at you. We both know it would probably leave you with bad memories.
2. No support: Without someone to help them, figuring out how to get treatment can be hard.
3. Not knowing where to go: Some people struggling with addiction don’t know what services are available or how to find them.
4. Long wait times: The thought of waiting for hours in a crowded emergency room can stop people from going. Some people experience anxiety and simply don’t have the patience to wait.
5. Distrust of hospitals: Some people just don’t trust hospitals and worry they won’t get the care they need.
These barriers make it hard for people with addiction to get the help they need. The MNTP clinic is made to solve these issues by bringing caring and helpful treatment directly to them, no matter what area of the U.S. they’re in. Keep reading to learn what a MNTP clinic is and how it works.
How does a MNTP clinic work?
In 2020-2021, nearly 104 out of every 10,000 visits to the ER were from people with a substance use disorder. This statistic shows how crucial it is to provide accessible care to those battling addiction.
A mobile narcotic treatment clinic is a health vehicle that travels to people needing help with substance abuse. Instead of making individuals struggling with substance use find their way to a hospital or clinic, an MNTP clinic meets them where they are, eliminating some of the barriers we talked about earlier, such as:
- Transportation issues
- Fear of stigma
- Judgment from others
The MNTP clinic provides a safe, private, and non-judgmental space where individuals can consume substances under supervision. Here’s what the clinic offers:
- Sterile injection equipment to ensure safety
- Promotion of safe injection practices to reduce the risk of needle sharing
- Prevention of overdoses, viruses, and infections from unsafe injection methods
When you bring care directly to people, the MNTP clinic saves lives and builds trust within communities. It provides a lifeline for those who might otherwise feel isolated. The clinic is practical and compassionate, offering features that make it a powerful tool against substance use disorders.
Key features of the MNTP clinic
At AVAN Mobility, the MNTP clinic is also called the Mobile Mitigation Van or Overdose Prevention Van. Take a look at some of its key features below.
Imagine someone like Jason, who has been living on the streets for months, struggling with his addiction. He feels isolated, judged, and hopeless. One day, he sees a MNTP clinic parked nearby in the downtown area he’s at.
It’s the first time in a long while that he feels a glimmer of hope. Nervously, he approaches the van, drawn by the idea of a safe, non-judgmental space where he can get the help he desperately needs. Inside, he finds understanding staff, clean supplies, and the privacy he craves. For Jason, this clinic is the only peace he’s felt in months.
The staff inside give him a safe place to consume under their supervision. They also provide him with a referral to a treatment program.
How to start your MNTP clinic
You came to this article because you’re looking for a better way to help people struggling with substance abuse. We’ve discussed what a Mobile NTP clinic is, how it works, and how you can use it to bring life-saving services to people battling opioid use disorder and other substance-related issues.
At AVAN Mobility, we’re committed to making a difference by designing and building mobile clinics that remove barriers to healthcare. We believe in helping those who help others, and our mission is to empower your organization with the tools it needs to save lives. If you have any questions about how the mobile NTP clinic, click the button below to talk to a mobility expert.
Are you not ready to talk to someone just yet? Check out our next article if you want to learn more about starting an MNTP clinic and finding funding to get one going.
