A new Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) is set to launch in Minneapolis this summer as part of the city’s strategy to bring health care directly to residents and curb the ongoing opioid crisis. Backed by more than $1 million in opioid settlement funding, the project is a landmark step in improving health access for underserved and overburdened communities — especially Black, Indigenous, and immigrant populations disproportionately affected by addiction and chronic illness.
The MMU, essentially a medical clinic on wheels, will be outfitted with two exam rooms and staffed with licensed professionals offering a range of essential services. That includes wound care, health screenings, vaccinations, medication-assisted treatment referrals, and behavioral health resources.
“The Mobile Medical Unit was created to reduce barriers to care, address the opioid crisis, and promote long-term wellness through integrated medical services,” said Lisa Roberts, interim communications manager for the City of Minneapolis Health Department. “It’s about meeting people where they are — with dignity, respect, and a commitment to improving the health of all Minneapolis residents.”
The unit is expected to become operational in early August, with a rotating schedule that prioritizes zip codes most affected by overdose deaths and longstanding health disparities. According to city health officials, the focus areas will include parts of North Minneapolis, Phillips, and Cedar-Riverside: communities with high concentrations of Black, Native, and East African residents…