The City of Minneapolis’ first-ever Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) aims to bridge health care access gaps and reduce barriers in underserved communities. More than $1 million from opioid settlement funds covers the cost of the new MMU, equips the vehicle with medical supplies, and helps hire staff to address diverse needs across the city.
The state-of-the-art vehicle represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of Minneapolis community members to reduce opioid overdose deaths, increase access to treatment, promote long-term recovery, and expand access and delivery of medications for opioid use disorder.
‘Everybody deserves to feel healthy and safe. This is the city of Minneapolis stepping up to do our part in making sure we’re meeting those goals,’ said Mayor Jacob Frey. ‘Our new mobile medical unit is a true game-changer, bringing essential care and resources directly to those in need. With innovative initiatives like this, we’re breaking down barriers and paving the way to recovery.’
The MMU will offer personalized, specialized care in a private, closed space—providing treatment and resources to underserved communities. The Health Department’s Opioid Response Team will operate the unit—providing such services as health screenings like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar level checks; medication consultation; wound care; vaccinations; mental health counseling and referrals; youth health services including physical exams, dental care, and wellness checks; and medications for opioid use disorder.
‘Most of us have a family member, relative or a friend who suffers from substance use disorder,’ said Minneapolis Health Department Commissioner Damōn Chaplin. ‘We know health care access can be challenging for our diverse communities. This unit will be culturally responsive and deliver trauma-informed care. It brings access to health care where it’s needed most, providing community members the opportunity for treatment and recovery services.’
The Minneapolis Health Department is hiring and training staff and outfitting the vehicle with medical supplies. Anyone in the community can use the MMU, but it will be deployed to locations where access to care is challenging and needed most. The department anticipates the MMU being fully operational and in the community by early 2025.
LaTrisha Vetaw was instrumental in efforts to secure the mobile unit. Before winning a seat on the city council, Vetaw served as Director of Health Policy and Advocacy at NorthPoint Health & Wellness. In this role, she brought together coalitions of hundreds of community members and young people to push for public health policy change at the state and local level.
‘For too long, certain communities have faced health disparities and gaps in care,’ said Vetaw, who represents the northernmost neighborhoods of Minneapolis. ‘The Minneapolis MMU is a direct response to this, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of race, income, or ZIP code, have access to preventive care, vaccinations, and essential medical services. With the launch of the Minneapolis MMU in 2025, we are taking a bold step toward the future of health care in America and as always, Minnesota is at the forefront.’
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