A 37-foot recreational vehicle outfitted with a mobile treatment center for those battling substance use disorder was unveiled Friday at Alvernia University in Pottsville.

Called “Driving Recovery for PA,” it is Pennsylvania’s first mobile licensed narcotic treatment program.

The unveiling brought officials from Gaudenzia Inc., which owns the vehicle, and the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

Guadenzia is one of the country’s largest nonprofit treatment providers for people with substance use disorder and co-occurring conditions.

Driving Recovery for PA aims to provide treatment to over 400 adults with an opioid use disorder and 200 family members over the first five years in service.

The mobile unit’s opioid treatment program, which provides medication-assisted treatment, is licensed through the department and certified through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. In addition, it is registered at the federal level by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

“Meeting people where they are, both physically and mentally - that’s exactly what Driving Recovery for PA is doing for those battling the disease of addiction,” said department secretary Latika Davis-Jones, Ph.D. “With substance use at epidemic levels affecting hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians, it is imperative that we continue to make treatment accessible, affordable, equitable, and attainable. Driving Recovery for PA is a prime example of us removing the barrier of transportation in more rural settings and bringing care into local neighborhoods.”

In addition to offering medication-assisted treatment, the mobile center offers assessments, certified recovery support, counseling, harm reduction services and connection to support services for medically underserved communities in six Pennsylvania counties including Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Snyder, and Union.

“Accessing lifesaving treatment should not be a barrier for any individual, no matter where you live,” stated Deja Gilbert, Ph.D., Gaudenzia president and chief executive officer. “Gaudenzia is committed to breaking down barriers so that any individual seeking treatment can get the help they need in order to achieve long-term recovery and live a healthy and fulfilling life. We are proud to be the first in the state to go beyond our brick-and-mortar locations and bring compassionate care right into communities who may lack treatment options through this unique and innovative program.”

Gaudenzia operates over 50 facilities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C.

According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, an average of 14 Pennsylvanians die every day from an overdose while Opendata PA estimated 299,000 Pennsylvanians struggled with a drug use disorder in 2020.

The mobile unit will travel to different partnering locations including university campuses, churches, county offices and more throughout the coverage area.

“We recognize that every single community is affected by addiction and Alvernia is proud to offer one of the longest-running and most robust addictions and mental health treatment programs in the country,” said Alvernia University Vice President for Graduate and Adult Education Gaetan T. Giannini. “

To learn more, visit ddap.pa.gov.