SouthLight Mobile Rolls into Raleigh 

Treatment Now Available at Oak City Cares

We’re pleased to announce the opening of SouthLight Mobile, a new opioid treatment clinic on wheels that brings compassionate, evidence-based care directly into Wake County communities. The first parked location is Oak City Cares in Raleigh, where we provide services from 7–10 a.m., Monday through Friday.  

Funded through Wake County’s Opioid Settlement Funds, SouthLight Mobile expands access to medication-assisted treatment for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder.

“This program will help transform access to care…removing barriers, restoring hope, and meeting people exactly where they are.”—Alyssa Kitlas, MPH, Opioid Settlement Program Manager, Wake County Behavioral Health

Look for additional location announcements later this year.  

New Technology Brings Faster, Smarter Opioid Treatment 

Shorter Waits for Clients, More Time for Care at the Raleigh Hub 

The newest addition to SouthLight’s Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) is proving to be a valuable member of the nursing team. “Lucy,” the ZING® medication-dispensing robot is improving the client experience and freeing the nursing staff to do more of what they do best: provide compassionate care. 

“Opioid treatment is highly individualized,” shares Brandon Smith, Nursing Manager. “Some clients receive the liquid medication onsite each day, while others may qualify for up to 27 take-home doses as they continue to demonstrate response to treatment.”  

This is where Lucy (affectionately named by the nursing team) makes the difference. It can fill, cap, security-seal, and label hundreds of bottles an hour, saving a tremendous amount of time.  

“Our clients experience lines that move faster,” adds Ben Powell, P.A.-C., Senior Clinical Director. “People tell me they no longer feel that pressure of holding up the line, and they’re more comfortable taking time to talk to the nurses.”   

“Lucy has made things smoother,” says Toya Carter, LPN. “We were intimidated at first, and clients were telling us we’d lose our jobs to a robot, but Lucy needs us, and we need her. Now, she’s like a co-worker.” 

At SouthLight, we have the important tasks of supporting the underserved and advocating for equitable treatment in healthcare. Discover the history of Pride Month in our June blog, why it matters today, and how SouthLight supports the LGBTQIA+ community through advocacy, care, and action.  

“Celebrating Pride helps to create a welcoming and accepting environment for staff and clients. It also helps embed respect and acknowledgment of a client’s identity within the LGBTQIA+ community into our practice and whole-person care at SouthLight.” —Kirsten Gade, Medical Program Manager