Mobile addiction‑treatment unit to bring outpatient services to Lawrence County, presenters say

Joshua Thacker, outreach coordinator for Anchor Addiction and Wellness Center, told the Ironton City Council on Nov. 24 that his organization plans to bring a grant‑funded mobile addiction‑treatment unit to Lawrence County to serve underserved residents.

Thacker said the group had met earlier that day with Mayor Sam Cramble and with Lawrence County officials and health and social‑service administrators to coordinate the rollout. "We are officially bringing our mobile units to Lawrence County," Thacker said. He cited county overdose data and said the program will be mobile, temporary at each stop, and staffed to provide outpatient medical services.

The presenters emphasized funding and scope. Jody Wilson, the program director, said: "It's strictly an outpatient program and services only. We're not having any housing." Thacker added that the program would not ask the county for money or for electric or water hookups: "We are self sustained. We are grant funded through the State of Ohio and Governor Mike DeWine's office." He said providers will bill Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance or use grant dollars to cover uninsured patients.

Why it matters: council members and staff noted the county's recent overdose report — presented by the speakers as 27 reported overdose deaths in 2024 — and welcomed advance notice so officials and service providers could coordinate referrals and on‑site logistics.

What happens next: presenters said they will set schedules and locations for the unit's visits and continue coordination with local hospitals, job and family services, and county health officials. Council did not vote on funding or pass any ordinance related to the mobile unit during the meeting.