Washington County’s Community Services Department has added a mobile services vehicle thanks to a state grant.

The vehicle will bring mental health, substance use disorder, and social service resources to people through regular stops at community sites. The program will bring assistance and information to people facing barriers to accessing services.

“The Mobile Social Services Vehicle is a custom-designed, high-ceiling van,” a news release states. “Inside, the van is equipped with a meeting space that serves as both a workspace for staff and a welcoming area for individuals receiving services.”

One of the goals for the vehicle is to normalize conversations about mental health and substance abuse in order to break down stigmas. The vehicle was funded by a one-time grant opportunity through the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services, Adult Mental Health Initiative. Ongoing program expenses will be funded through the Adult Mental Health Initiative grants.