Worcester Mobile Service First In MA To Offer 3 Opioid Treatment Types

WORCESTER, MA — A new addiction treatment resource hit the streets of Worcester this week, the first service of its kind in Massachusetts to offer the three main medications for opioid use disorder.

The Spectrum Health Services van will offer methadone, suboxone and vivitrol, plus recovery coaching and mental health services. The state Bureau of Substance Addiction Services is providing funding for the van.

Worcester Commissioner of Health and Human Services Matilde Castiel said the new mobile treatment van will be able to reach new populations, and prevent users from seeking potentially deadly streets drugs.

"Methadone and other [opioid-use] treatments this mobile van will provide eliminates the lethal contaminants that are in every drug sold on the streets, from fentanyl to xylazine, and will provide access to treatment for those who are homeless — something that is so needed to stabilize people and ideally help them secure housing," Castiel said.

Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. has warned of a wider problem in the county linked to xylazine, an animal tranquilizer. When mixed with opioids, xylazine can intensify side effects that lead to overdoses, and can't be treated with anti-opioid medications like Naloxone and Narcan.

To start, the new Spectrum van will be parked at SMOC, 25 Queen St., daily from 6 to 7:30 a.m., and then from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at St. John's Church in the Canal District, which is also the location of one of Worcester's largest food programs. Spectrum officials said the nonprofit is looking for other places to bring the van in the area.

"With the launch of this mobile treatment van, we’re increasing access to on-demand medication and mental health support right when clients need it, a milestone of great pride in our journey to truly make recovery possible for all," Spectrum Central Mass Regional Executive Director Heidi Di Roberto said.

Worcester recorded a record 105 opioid overdose deaths in 2021, the highest number dating to 2015, according to the state Department of Public Health. Worcester's total in 2021 reflects a wider trend in the state: 2,301 people died of an overdose that year, the highest dating back to 2000.

Overdose deaths in 2022 were on track to come close to that number. As of September, the state recorded 1,696 overdose deaths, with a finally 2022 tally still not final. The state has not released 2022 statistics by city and town.