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Street Medicine
Making healthcare accessible
Each year we lose people to homelessness… finding a way to bridge the gap was the only option we would accept.“
Available in
Montgomery County
History
In 2020, Access Services launched the Street Medicine program in collaboration with Tower Health Medical Group, Community Health & Dental, and other local support programs. These community partnerships allowed the idea of accessible healthcare to become a reality for those we serve in Pottstown. Our Street Medicine team completes twice weekly care visits, going into the community and woods to meet directly with those who need medical attention. The program continues to grow and in 2022, street medicine expanded to Norristown as well.Â
Our Program Goals
- To make healthcare accessible to individuals experiencing homelessness in Montgomery County by bringing healthcare directly to them.
- To help individuals use this access to healthcare to manage their health and wellness.
- To influence the way healthcare is provided equitably to vulnerable populations in Montgomery County on a systems level.
- To create sustainable collaboration across multiple service providers and systems and a clear project plan that can be replicated in future communities.
Street Medicine is a community-based model for bringing integrated treatment services to homeless individuals where they are living, including access to treatment, engagement with providers, personal outcomes, and coordination of integrated care.Â
A Day in the Life of the Street Medicine Team
Outreach
The street medicine outreach guide will go into the community, engage with people within the homeless community and establish a framework of daily needs.
Team Planning
The team meets together and develops a basic plan for the day based on the framework of daily needs. Patients’ electronic health records are reviewed to assess care plans or follow-up requirements. Supplies are checked to match care planned for the day.
Community Engagement
The team goes out into the community to provide care. Additional in-the-moment treatment plans are developed and implemented, including follow-up clinic appointments, immediate trip to the emergency department or rehabilitation.
Team Debrief
The team meets together after the visits in the community. A review is done of the care given, follow-up needs, prescription medications called in and more.
Follow-Up
The street medicine outreach guide will return to those served by the team. Medication is distributed from the pharmacy and they engage in post visit communication about future planned care or follow up. Partners will connect those served to primary and specialty care as needed.
If you’re in the Norristown or Pottstown area, email us for assistance.
