MINNEAPOLIS — The City of Minneapolis has deployed its first-ever Mobile Medical Unit (MMU), which they said is designed to bring healthcare services, addiction treatment resources, and connections to preventive care directly to neighborhoods with limited access to medical facilities.
City officials, including Mayor Jacob Frey and leaders from the health and community safety sectors, introduced the unit last week. Funded with more than $1 million from national opioid settlement dollars, the MMU is part of Minneapolis’ broader efforts to expand healthcare access and address the opioid and fentanyl crisis. The funding covers vehicle maintenance, medical supplies, and staffing.
“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.”
According to city leaders, the unit is intended to reduce overdose deaths, increase access to treatment, promote recovery, and provide basic medical services.
“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 operated by the Minneapolis Health Department’s Opioid Response Team and offers care in a private setting. Services include:
- Basic health screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar)
- Medication consultations
- Wound care
- Mental health counseling and referrals
- Youth health services, including physical exams, dental care, and wellness checks
- Medications for opioid use disorder (planned addition)
- Vaccinations (planned addition)
The unit is currently visiting Minneapolis areas that have been identified as having significant gaps in healthcare access. Officials emphasized that services are open to anyone in the community.
In addition to the MMU, Minneapolis has expanded its response to the opioid epidemic through other initiatives. In the past year, the city installed two NARCAN vending machines, with a third scheduled to open soon at Fire Station 5. Other efforts include:
- Partnering with the University of Minnesota Extension Department of Youth Development and the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain on the “BrainWaves curriculum,” which focuses on youth mental health education.
- Collaborating with the Elliot Park Neighborhood Association, M Health Fairview Recovery Services, and the Native American Community Clinic (NACC) on a pilot program offering free Brixadi®, a long-lasting prescription injection for treating opioid use disorder.
City officials described the MMU as one component of a larger, data-driven public health strategy.
“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.”
