The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) has launched a Mobile Recovery Unit (MRU) to provide treatment for opioid use disorders in the region. The initiative aims to reduce overdose deaths and expand access to care by bringing services directly to communities.
Stafford County played a key role as the fiscal agent, conducting research and preparing the grant application that secured funding from the Opioid Abatement Authority. This grant enabled the purchase of the MRU, which will serve as an extension of RACSB’s office-based opioid treatment program. The unit offers intensive therapy combined with medication, following evidence-based practices.
“It was our privilege to partner with the RACSB and the counties and city it serves on the efforts to save the lives of our residents,” said Stafford County Deputy County Administrator Donna Krauss. “The impactful work of our staff led the way and laid the groundwork for this innovative treatment offering.”
The MRU began operations on October 1 and now provides Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) in Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties. It also supports RACSB’s services in Fredericksburg.
According to data from the Virginia Department of Health, more than 1,000 Virginians died from opioid overdoses last year. Nearly 60 of those deaths occurred in Fredericksburg and its surrounding counties.
“The numbers are moving in the right direction, but even one loss is too many,” said Joe Wickens, RACSB’s Executive Director. “That’s why we’re expanding treatment options and bringing hope, healing, and life-saving care straight to the people who need it.”
Research cited by RACSB shows that combining medication with counseling improves recovery outcomes. However, national data indicates only about one-quarter of adults with opioid use disorder receive recommended medications.
“No one’s road to recovery should be blocked by barriers like transportation or access to care,” said Jacque Kobuchi, RACSB’s director of clinical services. “The MRU helps people stay on the path to healing, no matter where that road begins.”
Residents seeking help can contact their local RACSB clinic for more information.
RACSB has provided behavioral health and developmental disability services since 1970 across Fredericksburg and Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties. Additional details are available at www.rappahannockareacsb.org.
Stafford County Public Schools District enrolled 31,700 students during the 2023-24 school year—a 1.7% increase over the previous year—making it a significant part of the community served by these initiatives (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home). Brooke Point High School had the highest enrollment among county schools with 2,242 students (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home). White students made up nearly 39% of district enrollment while Hispanic students accounted for about a quarter (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home). Rising Star Early Childhood Education Center at Melchers enrolled more than half of all pre-kindergarten students in Stafford County during this period (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home).
