First of its Kind Mobile Unit in Nassau County Will Offer Addiction Services, Including Access to Medication Assisted Treatment

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) today announced that a new mobile treatment unit is now operational in Nassau County. The mobile unit is operated by Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services, and will offer a variety of addiction services, including access to medication assisted treatment. It is the first mobile addiction treatment unit in Nassau County.

 "The addition of a mobile treatment unit in Nassau County will be an invaluable resource that transcends transportation barriers so those struggling with addiction have access to the necessary support services they need,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Co-Chair of the NYS Heroin and Opioid Abuse Task Force. “The work that the Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services is doing to help individuals and families in the area is critical, and this investment continues our collective efforts to combat the opioid epidemic across the state and save lives." 

“Many people are not able to travel to receive the help that they need for addiction,” said OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez. “With this new mobile unit, people will be connected directly to the critical services that they need, allowing them to receive help in their own communities. These mobile treatment units have been an important tool in our efforts to fight the opioid epidemic and expand access to treatment in every community in New York State.”

The mobile unit will be staffed by a registered nurse, case worker, and two clinicians, who will use tele-practice capabilities to connect individuals with doctors at Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services headquarters. Outreach specials will connect with people in need of treatment, or their families, to link them with these services. The mobile unit will travel on a scheduled basis to communities in Nassau County. People in need of services will also be able to schedule a visit to their home by contacting Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services directly.

This new mobile unit will add to the more than 80 mobile treatment and transportation units already in operation across New York State. Through November of 2018, more than 7,200 people in 35 counties have received services with the help of these mobile units.

NYS Senator Kevin Thomas said, "The mobile recovery unit is a much-needed resource for residents suffering from addiction. I am so proud of the men and women of Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services and I am confident this undertaking will save lives. Thank you for making such a difference to the community."

Assemblyman Michael Montesano said, “With addiction being a serious problem on Long Island, particularly with opioids, bringing the treatment right to the people on the streets is a huge step to ending this epidemic. I am so pleased that we were able to provide funding for this mobile unit through the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. I hope we are able to add more of these mobile treatment units to the program in the near future in order to further our reach to those who need help the most.”

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said, “We have to do everything we can to reach our residents who are suffering from addiction, many of whom may not be able to travel to obtain treatment. The Mobile Addiction Treatment Unit will be a crucial tool in efforts to combat the opioid crisis’ scourge in Nassau County.”

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). 

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website CombatAddiction.ny.gov to learn more about the warning signs of addiction, review information on how to get help, and access resources on how to facilitate conversations with loved ones and communities about addiction. For tools to use in talking to a young person about preventing alcohol or drug use, visit the state’s Talk2Prevent website.