Insights from Four Years of Street Medicine: Key Learnings
In the bustling streets of Long Beach, California, a transformative healthcare initiative is changing lives one person at a time. Daniel, a man with a turbulent past and a chronic wound, found hope and healing through Healthcare in Action (HIA), a program providing street medicine to the unhoused population. Let’s delve into the groundbreaking work and key learnings from four years of this innovative approach.
From Humble Beginnings to Remarkable Success
Initiated in 2021 by the SCAN Group, HIA aimed to bridge the gap between healthcare and homelessness, spearheaded by visionary CEO Sachin Jain. Fast forward to 2024, and the program has flourished, servicing 18 communities across six counties and caring for nearly 8,000 patients. The impact is undeniable, with significant advancements in treating hypertension, opioid use disorder, and mental illness among the unhoused population.
Patience, Compassion, and Progress
Daniel’s journey embodies the essence of HIA’s approach. Through patience and comprehensive care, he transitioned from a life on the streets to a stable home environment. The lesson learned? Small steps lead to significant strides in improving the health and well-being of unhoused individuals. By treating patients with dignity and respect, positive outcomes become achievable milestones.
Collaboration and Community Support
The road to success was paved with partnerships and innovative solutions. Collaborations with state initiatives like CalAIM and healthcare providers like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center expanded the reach of HIA, ensuring quality care for the most vulnerable. The lesson here is clear: to make a lasting impact, we must work together towards a common goal of holistic healthcare for all.
Empathy in Action: Hiring for Lived Experience
At the heart of HIA’s success lies a team dedicated to understanding the unique challenges faced by the unhoused. By hiring individuals with lived experience, like Eric Barrera, peer navigator and housing specialist, the program fosters trust and connection with patients. Eric’s story resonates with many, showcasing the power of empathy and shared experiences in delivering effective care.
Technology, Trust, and Housing Stability
In a world where mobility is constant, technology becomes a crucial tool in providing consistent care. HIA’s innovative use of GPS tracking devices and 5G-enabled devices ensures seamless communication and access to medical records, even in the most transient of settings. The correlation between improved health outcomes and stable housing further underscores the importance of trust and support in achieving lasting change.
As Healthcare in Action continues its mission to address homelessness as a healthcare issue, the impact reverberates far beyond the streets of California. With dedication, collaboration, empathy, and innovation, the program offers a beacon of hope for those in need, proving that transformative change is possible, one patient at a time.
