On the Move for Healing: Unveiling St. Louis's Mobile Treatment Center
Event photographs by Adrian Tatum. To view more event pictures, click here.
On a beautiful Valentine's Day in St. Louis, The Salvation Army unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to combat the city's escalating overdose epidemic. The Midtown Mobile Treatment Center, a state-of-the-art vehicle equipped to deliver substance abuse and recovery support, was introduced to the community.
The Mobile Treatment Center dedication event brought community members, local community leaders, clients and representatives from the local business community together to celebrate the historic launch of the new service.
With more than 500 lives lost to overdose in the City of St. Louis last year, The Salvation Army hopes to address this growing epidemic, bringing recovery services to remote parts of the community, and to go anywhere it is needed.
The Salvation Army, in partnership with The Missouri Department of Mental Health - Division of Behavioral Health and support delivery partners, including Affinia Health, showcased their dedication to turning the tide on addiction, armed with the motto 'Hope & Healing Are On The Move.'
Major Adam Moore, St. Louis Metro Area Commander, reflected on the significance of the Mobile Treatment Center, emphasizing the removal of barriers to accessing crucial support services. "This service will remove barriers to providing the help and support needed throughout our community. We can go wherever the need is, and we can help bring hope and healing throughout our community," he stated, highlighting the potential to reach hundreds of individuals suffering from substance abuse each year.
Major Adam Moore, St. Louis Metro Area Commander
Kim Beck, Executive Director at Midtown Service and Treatment Center
Kim Beck, Executive Director at Midtown Service and Treatment Center, shared her gratitude for the culmination of years of planning and effort. "We started to talk about this project many years ago to have a Mobile Treatment Center that can serve people wherever they are; that day is now here. Our partnerships with The Missouri Department of Mental Health and Affinia Healthcare allow us to help wherever the need is," she said, underscoring the collective effort that made this initiative possible.
The event transitioned from heartfelt speeches to action with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Major Bob Mueller, Divisional Commander for Midland Division.
Major Mueller extended a sincere thanks to The Missouri Department of Mental Health for their financial support. He acknowledged the tireless efforts of Gary Busiek, Executive Director of Social Services, and the staff at Midtown Service and Treatment Center for turning a dream into reality.
“Health is a basic human need, and The Salvation Army is an organization where people can access the services and support they need. Unfortunately, access to vital services is difficult for many people, especially our unsheltered neighbors. The Midtown Mobile Treatment Center will provide services to anyone in need. We pray for those who will be treated and we look forward to helping everyone who needs our help in the community,” said Major Mueller.
The Midtown Mobile Treatment Center is a testament to what can be achieved when compassion meets action. It represents a pivotal step towards addressing the health needs of St. Louis's most vulnerable, especially the unsheltered, by ensuring that no one is beyond reach.
On this Valentine's Day, The Salvation Army delivered a message of love that resonates far beyond a single day, heralding a new chapter of hope and healing on the move in Greater St. Louis.
