The City of Minneapolis’ first-ever Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) is officially on the streets, bringing important healthcare services, addiction treatment and recovery resources, and connections to primary preventive care directly to neighborhoods with limited access to healthcare.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and City leaders across health and community safety officially debuted the MMU – which offers another new tool complementing the City’s comprehensive efforts to support greater opportunity and quality of life for people and families across Minneapolis. It expands healthcare access and confronts the fentanyl crisis.
“Healthcare shouldn’t be a privilege tied to your ZIP code,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Our Mobile Medical Unit is on the streets, breaking down barriers, saving lives, and making sure every Minneapolis resident can get the care they deserve. This new tool is proof: when we bring healthcare right to people instead of waiting for them to come to us, lives are saved.”
Funded with more than $1 million from national opioid settlement dollars, the MMU is a major step in Minneapolis’ fight against the opioid and fentanyl crisis. Funding covers vehicle maintenance, medical supplies and staff needed to deliver essential services, with the goals of reducing opioid overdose deaths, increasing access to treatment, promoting long-term recovery, and expanding access to medications.
Providing access to healthcare
The MMU will offer care in a private, respectful space and is operated by the Minneapolis Health Department’s Opioid Response Team. Services will include:
- Basic health screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar)
- Medication consultation
- Wound care
- Mental health counseling and referrals
- Youth health services (physical exams, dental care, wellness checks)
- Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) (coming soon)
- Vaccinations (coming soon)
"The Mobile Medical Unit is more than a van—it’s a lifeline for communities that too often face barriers to care,” said Minneapolis Health Commissioner Damōn Chaplin. “Thank you to our incredible Opioid Response Team for their tireless work in bringing trauma-informed, culturally responsive treatment and recovery services directly to the people who need them most. This unit is a true example of our commitment to equity and health for all Minneapolis residents."
The MMU is already visiting locations across the city with the greatest healthcare access gaps, offering services to anyone in the community. Staff continue to ensure the vehicle is fully equipped and prepared to meet diverse community needs.
“The Mobile Medical Unit is a groundbreaking initiative that combines best practices, data-driven insights, and performance measures,” said Suzanne Young, senior project manager, opioid response team. “It is a powerful example of how logistics teams, community groups, and public partners can come together to create a dynamic and effective response to the opioid crisis.”
Innovative approach to the opioid crisis
The MMU is one of the City’s innovative approaches to address the opioid epidemic. In the last year, the City has officially opened two NARCAN vending machines, with a third opening later this month at Fire Station 5. In addition, the City is:
- Partnering with the University of Minnesota Extension Department of Youth Development and the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain to execute the “BrainWaves curriculum.” The education is in direct response to the rising rates of mental health challenges among youth and empowers them by deepening their understanding of brain health.
- Joining forces with the Elliot Park Neighborhood Association, M Health Fairview Recovery Services and the Native American Community Clinic (NACC) on a pilot program that offers free Brixadi® to people who need it. It is a long-lasting prescription injection used to treat opioid use disorder so patients can regain control of their lives and start the journey toward long-term recovery.
Learn about the City's Mobile Medical Unit.