The Model That Has Proven Highly Successful Across the Country Has Now Come to the Garden State
In May, RWJBarnabas Health launched a new street medicine program designed to bring essential health care services directly to the homeless people who need them. This program is the first of its kind in the state of New Jersey and operates across the city of Elizabeth, with plans to expand into other areas in the future.
Street Medicine Programs Fill a Big Need
The new street medicine team from RWJBarnabas travels around the city in a clearly marked van, visiting locations such as homeless shelters, encampments, transitional housing centers, and other spaces where groups of homeless people gather together. The team is equipped to provide a wide range of care on site, including management and prevention of chronic diseases, urgent and acute care, mental health care, street psychiatry, and substance use support and harm reduction.
For situations beyond their scope, the street medicine team can refer people to other services and provide transportation to local clinics for long-term or specialized care. This removes barriers for some who have previously found it difficult to access care. The trusting relationships built over time between the street medicine team and their patients can make it easier to access further care and reach more people.
“Our Street Medicine Program is born from a culture that recognizes everyone, regardless of circumstance, is deserving of compassion and access to the world-class healthcare we provide,” said Mark E. Manigan, President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJBarnabas Health. “Being the first in New Jersey to put such a focus on the immediate healthcare needs of some of our most vulnerable residents is something in which RWJBarnabas Health takes tremendous pride.”…