A program by Hawaii Island Community Health Center now brings healthcare directly to those facing homelessness or barriers to accessing traditional health services.
The health center’s Street Medicine Outreach team will now conduct regular outreach in Hilo, Puna, Ocean View and Kona utilizing a vehicle equipped with basic healthcare supplies. This allows medical staff to deliver primary care services in the streets, at shelters and other locations where houseless individuals gather.
“Mahalo to the County of Hawaii for the funding to allow Hawaii Island Community Health Center the ability to deliver healthcare directly to the streets,” said Hawaii Island Community Health Center’s Director of Street Medicine Lauren Whittemore in a news release.
“Getting these individuals living on the streets healthy is a pathway to getting them stable. I’m happy to report that the Street Medicine Outreach team is already providing positive outcomes,” said Whittemore.
Individuals can get on-the-spot health assessments, services and resources referrals, and care such as basic medical procedures, wound care, medicine and vaccinations. The team can also provide telemedicine visits in the field via an iPad and schedule same-day appointments for in-clinic visits.
The Street Medicine Outreach program also provides substance abuse, mental health care and social services.
Out in the field, the Substance Use Disorder program provides substance abuse assessments, harm reduction strategies, medication assisted treatment and referrals to addiction treatment programs. NARCAN distribution and education are also part of the services.
The Hawaii Island Community Health Center’s Behavioral Health team addresses mental health needs with individualized care adjusting their services to meet the specific needs of each patient.
Patient Navigators on the team also work with individuals one-on-one to access social services including housing resources and other support systems and helps them navigate the healthcare system.
The Street Medicine Outreach team also actively collaborates with other social service agencies serving individuals experiencing homelessness.
“Fostering strong relationships and partnerships with shelters, outreach teams and social service agencies ensures a comprehensive wrap-around support system,” said Whittemore. “This collaborative approach goes beyond immediate healthcare and addresses housing assistance, employment resources and mental health support. Together, we work to break down the barriers to healthcare and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for this vulnerable population.”