Philadelphia’s first mobile narcotic treatment program is officially on the streets. On Friday, city leaders unveiled Merakey’s “Mobile Methadone Van” at the Kensington Wellness Support Center. The RV-style unit will help provide treatment to people struggling with opioid abuse. “Tre atment works, but only when people can access it,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. From October 2025 through Aug. 31, 2026, 567 people were admitted through the treatment initiative and connected to medication for opioid use disorder. Of those participants, 207 were stabilized and connected to longer-term outpatient treatment, according to a release. Ninety percent of people entering the program were unhoused or living in shelters at the time they entered care, according to program data provided by DBHIDS and Merakey. “People should not have to overcome unnecessary barriers to get lifesaving treatment,” said Kehinde “Kenny” Solanke, Commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services. “This mobile methadone program gives us another way to meet people where they are, begin treatment when they are ready, and connect them to the ongoing care they need.” The program will also quickly connect people with medication and provide pathways to long-term treatment. “This mobile unit is literally going to meet Philadelphians where they are – that is a huge incentive for individuals to get treatment,” said DDAP Secretary Latika Davis-Jones. ...read more read less