WORCESTER, Mass. - New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft was in Worcester on Wednesday to unveil a new mobile care unit that will allow UMass Memorial Health to bring addiction treatment on the road. 

Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early said breaking down barriers to treatment is a top priority for the county's Opioid Task Force. 

"You know, if they've got that addictive gene and 40 to 60 percent of us do, just that one pill is enough to put them spiraling down that road," Early said. "This will be the road to recovery. This is where we start, this is where we do something that puts us all together."

Funded by the Kraft Center for Community Health, the Community Care in Reach Mobile Unit can bring addiction care anywhere, and the ease of access makes a difference for people on the road to recovery.

Kraft believes it's a powerful tool because it has the ability to reach people who otherwise wouldn't go to an emergency room, for fear they wouldn't be accepted. 

"It gives them an opportunity to be cared for just like anyone else, and it not only saves their lives, but extends their lives," Kraft said. 

The unit is stocked with medications for addiction treatment, a syringe exchange, detox supplies and more. Caregivers can also connect patients with counselors and longterm recovery programs. 

“To see this wonderful community and care reach out to where the patient is, wherever they are, is a step in the right direction," said state Sen. Harriette Chandler (D-Worcester). "I’ve had a chance today to meet the team that will be servicing this group and they’re wonderful."

The mobile unit also offers preventative care including screenings, immunizations, chronic disease management, hepatitis C treatment, and specialty medical care. 

The Community Care in Reach program was originally launched in Boston in 2018, and has since expanded to Brockton, Springfield and Worcester.