Bringing Healthcare to the Homeless: Munson Healthcare’s Street Medicine Program Tackles Hidden Health Crisis

In July 2022, Munson Healthcare teamed up with Traverse Health Clinic and Goodwill Northern Michigan’s Street Outreach team to launch the Street Medicine Program. This initiative aims to provide medical care to individuals experiencing homelessness by bringing a fully-equipped hospital exam room in a box truck to locations such as homeless shelters and encampments. The program has already served over 1,000 individuals since its launch, and Munson Healthcare has recently announced a donation of $300,000 to support the expansion of the program over the next two years.

With this additional funding, access to care for homeless patients will be enhanced, and Traverse Health Clinic’s mobile medical unit will undergo accessibility upgrades. The donation will also enable the hiring of a full-time community coordinator to oversee comprehensive wraparound services and manage operational costs for the program. According to Ed Ness, president and CEO of Munson Healthcare, individuals experiencing homelessness are highly susceptible to significant illness and chronic health conditions. Munson Healthcare is committed to providing access to necessary care, including preventative services, to address the growing number of homeless individuals in the community.

Traverse Health Clinic CEO Casey Kandow expressed gratitude for Munson Healthcare’s support and emphasized the importance of partnerships in providing critical healthcare services to the unhoused population. By working together, these organizations are making a significant impact on improving health outcomes for those who need it most.