Central City Concern, a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon, has launched an innovative mobile health program to address the healthcare needs of the homeless. In partnership with Medical Teams International, they have introduced two custom-made mobile health vans that will bring essential medical services directly to those in need.
The mobile health vans will be staffed by a team of primary care providers, including nurses, behavioral health specialists, and community health outreach workers. They will visit various locations where homeless individuals congregate, such as shelter sites, sanctioned and unsanctioned encampments, and service hubs like day centers and food resource sites. The vans will provide a range of services, including wound care, physical exams, infectious disease screening, vaccinations, and medication distribution.
Dr. Andy Mendenhall, president and CEO of Central City Concern, emphasizes the importance of bringing healthcare services to those who may feel unseen or marginalized by traditional healthcare systems. By meeting people where they are, the organization hopes to treat immediate problems and prevent future complications or hospitalizations. The program has received funding from various sources, including Multnomah County’s Joint Office of Homeless Services, Oregon Health Authority, Trillium Community Health Plan, the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, and the city of Portland.
The community has shown support for this initiative, recognizing the significance of meeting people where they are and providing encouragement and resources to those in need. Central City Concern’s mobile health program is a step towards ensuring that everyone, regardless of their living situation, has access to quality healthcare services.
Read the news story on KGW8 Portland.