Bringing Medicine to the Homeless: Munson Healthcare Launches Street Medicine Program in Partnership with Traverse Health Clinic and Goodwill Northern Michigan’s Street Outreach Team

In July 2022, Munson Healthcare launched a Street Medicine Program in partnership with Traverse Health Clinic and Goodwill Northern Michigan’s Street Outreach team. The 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 announced a donation of $300,000 over the next two years to support its expansion. The funds will enhance access to care for homeless patients and complete accessibility upgrades to Traverse Health Clinic’s mobile medical unit. Additionally, the donation will enable the hiring of a full-time community coordinator to oversee comprehensive wraparound services and manage operational costs for the program.

Ed Ness, president and CEO of Munson Healthcare, emphasized the importance of providing necessary care, including preventative services, to address the growing number of homeless individuals in the community. According to Ness, individuals experiencing homelessness are highly susceptible to significant illness and chronic health conditions. He is committed to ensuring that Munson Healthcare provides access to critical healthcare services for this vulnerable population.

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. Kandow noted that working together with organizations like Munson Healthcare allows them to provide more comprehensive care and resources for those who need it most.