Duffy Health Center hosted local leaders and community partners for the unveiling of its REACH (Respectful, Equitable, Access to Compassionate Healthcare) Mobile Unit on Aug. 11.
The vehicle was purchased with COVID relief funds and will serve as an outreach tool throughout the community, expanding harm reduction services to individuals for whom transportation may be a barrier to care.
The REACH Mobile Unit will be staffed by skilled Duffy staff members, including an Outreach Case Manager and a Post Overdose Harm Reductionist. The model is an extension of Duffy Health Center’s collaboration with Community Health Center and AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod on the CHART (Community Harm Reduction and Treatment) Van in 2021, part of the HEAL Initiative funded by the National Institute of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Services provided on the REACH Mobile Unit will include: a shower and hygiene program; recovery support navigation; access to medication for opioid use disorder through telehealth with Duffy providers; case management resources; and harm reduction resources, including Narcan and fentanyl test strips. These services will be open to individuals in need, as well as loved ones looking for support.
“The addition of the mobile unit will allow our team to deepen our impact throughout the Cape community and build on past outreach success,” says Daniel Rodrigues, Director of Substance Use Disorder and Outreach Programs. “We offer a wide range of services at 94 Main Street, but the ability to provide this level of outreach will help us engage the most marginalized members of our community – those who lack transportation or resources to get to our Hyannis location.”
Duffy CEO Heidi Nelson shares, “The ability to offer mobile services is a huge step for Duffy Health Center. This work is based on best practices and follows the example of communities across the country who are reaching traditionally hard-to-reach individuals in this way. Our team has a knack for treating those in our community who are most in need, and the ability to meet them in a location that is convenient to them will make outreach and engagement in services that much more effective.”
Current community partners and host sites include St. Barnabas Church in Falmouth; Mashpee (exact location to be determined); Hyannis Public Library; Yarmouth Comprehensive Treatment Center; and Dennis Union Church. To learn more, contact Sara Grambach at 508-771-7517, ext. 104. Follow @DuffyREACH on Facebook and Instagram.
