GUILFORD, CT — The APT Foundation has launched a new mobile treatment program aimed at expanding access to care for people living with opioid use disorder in shoreline communities and beyond.
APT Foundation is the first provider in Connecticut to offer methadone treatment through mobile medical units. The program is designed to bring treatment closer to where patients live and reduce transportation and geographic barriers to care.
Two mobile medical treatment units are now serving patients for several hours each day at community locations, including Alliance for Living and Ledge Light Health District in New London, as well as Apple Rehab in Old Saybrook and Guilford. Additional community stops are planned as the program expands.
The units are based at APT Foundation's Guilford location and are positioned to serve shoreline communities and beyond.
"When someone decides they're ready for treatment, every barrier matters," said APT Foundation CEO Dr. Lynn Madden in a news release.
There are physical locations in New Haven, West Haven, North Haven, and Guilford.
"By bringing our services directly to where they live, we're meeting people where they are and ensuring that geography or transportation isn't the reason someone goes without care," Madden added.
The APT Foundation said the mobile treatment program builds the organization's Open Access Model, which allows people to receive a comprehensive evaluation at its 1 Long Wharf location in New Haven and begin treatment the same day they seek help.
Once enrolled in care, eligible patients can receive ongoing medication through the mobile treatment units at designated community locations. Patients also have access to recovery-focused counseling from licensed clinicians.
By providing medication and counseling closer to where patients live, the program is intended to make it easier for them to continue treatment and remain engaged in their recovery. The organization says it has reduced the average time from intake to treatment from three weeks to less than three hours.
As part of International Overdose Awareness Day observances, APT Foundation will participate in community events from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, on the New Haven Green and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, on the Guilford Green.
The mobile treatment program was made possible through funding from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services through CT Opioid Settlement Funds, allowing APT Foundation to expand its Open Access Model beyond its traditional clinic locations.
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