Ten years ago, Lauren and Dan Reck opened MATClinics in Dundalk and Towson to increase access to outpatient addiction treatment. The organization has since expanded to eight locations across Maryland, offering medication-assisted treatment, behavioral health services, and case management. Despite these efforts, some patients continue to face obstacles in accessing in-person care.
A new initiative aims to address this issue through a mobile clinic: a 35-foot RV funded by a $200,000 grant from Baltimore County’s opioid abatement fund. This fund is part of the more than $29 million the county has received from national opioid settlement agreements since February 2023. According to a state report, about $4.2 million had been spent as of June 30, 2025.
Elise Andrews, Baltimore County’s opioid strategy coordinator, explained the approach: “The last thing we want to do too is start a bunch of initiatives that then, all of a sudden, we’re going to have to tell them to stop,” Andrews said. “Because once people start relying [on them], whether it’s harm reduction and a mobile harm reduction van where they’re getting safe supplies and receiving that trusting relationship, or if they’re receiving mobile treatment, or if they’re going to the STEP clinic, we need to make sure that they can continue to access that, [or] else we’re going to be right back in the same position.”
The mobile unit is one of several programs supported by funds from legal settlements with pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors related to opioid overdoses. MATClinics renovated the RV earlier this year for use as a mobile treatment center operating three days per week at various sites around Baltimore County.
“I thought it was a really good opportunity to take what we do and put it on wheels,” said Lauren Reck.
Baltimore County has experienced high rates of overdose deaths over the past decade. Data from the Maryland Department of Health shows that overdose deaths doubled between 2014 and 2018 before slightly declining in 2019; numbers increased again in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID happened, and people became more stressed. They lost access to their treatment. The world turned on its head for people,” Andrews said. “The fragile state … of treatment and recovery, it just eluded people’s ability in those tough times to be able to maintain that.” While access was limited during lockdowns, illicit drug supply continued unabated.
Overdose deaths have declined over the last three years—from 361 deaths in 2021 down to 179 in 2024—according to state data.
“What does the evidence tell us helps?” Andrews asked. “Harm reduction, access to medication, engaging people in treatment and recovery, getting peer support professionals out there.”
Settlement funds are restricted for specific uses such as naloxone distribution (a drug used for reversing overdoses), training on administering naloxone, medication-assisted treatment including services for pregnant or postpartum individuals as well as babies affected by withdrawal symptoms after birth. Other approved uses include prevention efforts and treatments within correctional facilities.
Initial spending included funding an opioid use disorder program at Baltimore County Detention Center with FDA-approved medications available for incarcerated individuals. Additional grants went toward centralized substance use disorder services for participants in Circuit Court’s drug court program; extra staff for supporting infants born exposed to substances; and installing vending machines dispensing naloxone at clinics and libraries throughout the county.
“Every penny of this is significant because it is lives lost – that’s why we have this money,” Andrews said.
In addition last year $1 million was allocated for grant programs supporting remediation projects focused on harm reduction strategies like expanding mobile services or increasing medication availability among vulnerable populations such as homeless individuals or pregnant women.
MATClinics was among five organizations awarded grants—the second group providing road-based outreach via vehicle—and other recipients include:
– The Daniel Carl Torsch Foundation received nearly $184,000 for an orange van providing food supplies along with case management.
– MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center obtained nearly $250,000 targeting pregnant women/new mothers with opioid use disorder.
– Chase Brexton expanded its Substance Use Treatment Enhancement Program (STEP) Clinic into Woodlawn using more than $214,000 from settlement grants.
– Health Care for the Homeless increased suburban outreach by establishing walk-in medication-assisted treatment space at its Rosedale site while hiring additional nursing staff and planning community health worker roles.
Leaders across these organizations emphasized both practical barriers like transportation—as noted by Toni Torsch—and persistent stigma associated with seeking help:
“They feel the stigma whether it’s there or not; they just… feel something,” Toni Torsch said regarding clients seeking clean syringes or assistance at clinics run by her foundation’s orange van initiative.”We’re bringing services to them … no judgment – the only thing that we pack is a lot of compassion and services…”
Lucas Carlson at MedStar described challenges facing expectant mothers: “There’s often (a) shame component tied… What we are doing is working…to make sure…that stigma is reduced across health continuum.” Susanna Derocco added: “We don’t want shame patients…and we don’t want shame our providers…”
Jessica Friedman at Chase Brexton stated: “Particularly for opioid use disorder…medication itself is treatment…these medications can & should be prescribed…in primary-care setting…”
Laura Garcia from Health Care for the Homeless summarized their broader mission: “It’s really helping us deliver more robust wraparound services…focus on physical & mental health…supporting rehousing efforts…” She added: “…housing is health care.”
