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Methadone is the gold standard for the treatment of opioid addiction because of its ability to reduce cravings and block the painful effects of withdrawal. But the medicine is far too hard to access in some parts of upstate New York.

Those “care deserts” inflict a double pain: one, on people in recovery whose lives can be upended by the difficulty of getting treatment; and two, on the few communities that host methadone clinics, which end up bearing too much of the burden of offering this important but complex service.

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Mobile medication units help address both problems.

MMUs are clinics on wheels. They bring addiction services, including access to therapy and medication, to underserved areas.

Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced the launch of an MMU serving Madison County in Central New York. It’s the first of its kind outside of New York City. The treatment van is a welcome milestone — and it’s a success that needs to be replicated, fast.

A methadone prescription cannot be filled at an ordinary pharmacy. And many patients need to visit a clinic for a daily........

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