During National Recovery Month, Phoenix House Launches Mobile Wellness Outreach Van Outside Barclays Center

BROOKLYN, NY (09/23/2026) (readMedia)-- Today, during National Recovery Month, Phoenix House of New York & Long Island held a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside the Barclays Center celebrating the launch of its Neighborhood Outreach Wellness (NOW) mobile van. "Phoebe" will bring recovery resources, peer support, education, Narcan training, and harm reduction and engagement services directly to communities across Brooklyn as part of a $12 million investment from the New York City Health Department to expand access to substance use services.

See attached photos of the event.

In 2024, 2,192 residents died from an overdose, while Black and Latino New Yorkers died of an overdose at about twice the rate of white New Yorkers, according to the NYC Health Department. The NOW van aims to address those disparities by engaging New Yorkers in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by the overdose crisis - East New York, Brownsville, Flatbush, Williamsburg, and Bushwick - and connecting residents to peer support and recovery resources without requiring them to travel to a traditional treatment setting.

Today's launch comes as New York City continues to invest in peer-led and community-based approaches to substance use recovery, including a $12 million investment announced by Mayor Zohran Mamdani to expand peer-led substance use recovery programs citywide, funded through New York City's opioid settlement dollars secured by Attorney General Letitia James. Funding for Phoenix House will also support peer certification, employment and workforce development opportunities.

"Phoenix House is thrilled to launch our NOW mobile unit to expand access to critical behavioral health services, bring care directly into neighborhoods, and strengthen trust through peer-led support. Especially as federal health cuts rain down on our communities, far too many New Yorkers battling substance use and related challenges are struggling without the resources they need most. Today's launch represents a major step toward addressing those gaps in care, as we look forward to bringing these resources to every corner of our city. Many thanks to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for their partnership and commitment to advancing equitable community-based care," said Ann-Marie Foster, FACHE, Phoenix House President & CEO.

"With this van, Brooklynites can finally access recovery support on their own blocks, without having to travel or wait for services to come to them. Our team knows these neighborhoods, and we know that trust is built person by person, block by block. That's the work we do every day, and now we can bring it straight to people's doorsteps," said Shaun Willis, Director of Recovery Services and Outreach, Phoenix House Brooklyn Recovery Community Center.

"Meeting New Yorkers directly where they are is an invaluable tool to successfully connect more people to care," said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. "This van not only expands access to lifesaving services, but rebuilds trust, helping more people stay engaged in recovery services for longer. I'm proud to have stood with Phoenix House in May when Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a $12 million investment that made announcements like this one possible, and I'm grateful for their longstanding commitment to supporting our neighbors. This is what public health is all about."

"The overdose crisis touches every New Yorker. It's why local government must wield every lever of power to close the disparity harming our Black and Latino neighbors and ensure people struggling with addiction get the resources they need," said Council Member Chi Ossé. "Just one overdose in our communities is far too many, so I am proud that Phoenix House, based in our district, brings its life-saving services across the five boroughs. Since taking office, I've fought to secure tens of thousands of dollars to ensure that an institution like Phoenix House can continue its work for decades to come."

"Overdose is a tragedy and a policy failure. Community-based solutions like Phoenix House's Neighborhood Outreach Wellness Van save lives and reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorder. I love this project, and I am so excited to see it out in our community soon," said Assemblymember Emily Gallagher.

For more information about the NOW van and its stops around Brooklyn, visit phoenixhouse.org/now

About Phoenix House: For nearly 60 years, Phoenix House New York and Long Island has helped thousands of people overcome substance and alcohol use in order to lead healthy, productive, and rewarding lives. Born as a model for integrated substance use treatment, Phoenix House has grown into a treatment network that offers short-term and long-term residential, intensive outpatient, and general outpatient treatment. Phoenix House also offers treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders, clinical services, medication for addiction treatment, health and wellness goals, and vocational and educational support.

About Phoenix House - Brooklyn Community Recovery Center: Since 1967, Phoenix House New York has helped thousands of people overcome substance use disorders in order to lead healthy, productive, and rewarding lives. The Phoenix House Brooklyn Community Recovery Center (BKCRC) is a peer-driven drug and alcohol addiction recovery support center created in collaboration with state and local community-based organizations. Located in the heart of Brooklyn, the center offers a comprehensive range of programs, including residential treatment, outpatient services, and recovery support tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. With a focus on community, empowerment, and personal growth, BKCRC supports individuals through every step of their recovery journey, fostering a safe and nurturing environment.

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