Do you need help quitting an addiction?

Oakwood officials launched a comprehensive addiction recovery initiative today, combining mobile health clinics, peer navigators and expanded access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The program is funded with $5 million from municipal and philanthropic sources and is designed to lower barriers to care for residents struggling with substance use disorder.

Health Commissioner Dr. Maria Lopez, MD, described the model as rooted in clinical evidence and community experience. "This initiative integrates immediate harm-reduction services with long-term treatment pathways," she said. Lopez cited guidance from the State Health Department and independent clinical trials demonstrating improved outcomes when MAT is offered alongside psychosocial support.

Program architects emphasized peer navigators—individuals with lived experience of recovery—as central to outreach. "Peers build trust that traditional systems sometimes fail to establish," said James Carter, a certified recovery coach who helped design the outreach protocol. The mobile units will operate in neighborhoods identified by overdose data and will offer on-site assessment, naloxone distribution and referrals to primary care and mental health services.

Independent experts praised the approach while noting capacity challenges. Dr. Elaine Porter, PhD, a public health researcher at Oakwood University, said rigorous evaluation is planned to measure retention, relapse rates and service equity. The city committed to transparent reporting and third-party review, citing performance metrics and community advisory input to ensure accountability.

A dedicated hotline and confidential online assessment will connect residents to immediate support, including scheduling for appointments and transportation assistance and medication delivery. Advocates welcomed the expansion but urged continued investment in affordable housing, employment services and long-term treatment slots. Officials said partnerships with hospitals, community clinics and law enforcement will coordinate aftercare and crisis response. Outreach materials will be multilingual and prioritize culturally competent care.

Information lines and online portals will be available for residents seeking assistance. Do you need help quitting an addiction?