By Stacy Geere

On any given night, more than 75,000 people in Los Angeles County – and an estimated 10,701 people in the San Fernando Valley alone – experience homelessness. Nearly three out of four live on the streets in tents, makeshift shelters or vehicles. 

In September 2023, San Fernando Community Health Center (SFCHC) launched a Street Medicine Program, bringing medical care directly to where people live on the street, rather than within the four walls of a clinic, office or hospital. 

Unsheltered individuals and families face additional health risks related to violence, environmental exposure, food insecurity and sleep deprivation. Since most don’t have the means or mobility to visit a doctor, their medical conditions often worsen or become life-threatening. 

“USC research shows that a staggering 51% of our nation’s unsheltered population resides within California, and that many individuals and families don’t have a stable place to call home due to the state’s growing housing crisis,” said SFCHC Special Projects Director Heidi Lennartz. “Others come with histories of abuse, trauma and addiction, and are not comfortable receiving care in traditional settings.” 

As of May 2024, the SFCHC street medicine team completed 540 visits, serving 250 patients.

Working from a van equipped with basic medical supplies, SFCHC’s two- or three-person team visits designated locations and safe parking zones in Sylmar, Pacomia, North Hills, Panorama City and North Hollywood twice a week. 

Core members include a nurse practitioner, medical assistant and community health worker trained in the standards of care for street medicine. Mental health and other support services are coordinated by the SFCHC case management team. 

SFCHC’s street medicine team provides:

•  Medical assessments for blood pressure, weight, temperature and blood sugar

•  Behavioral health screenings and preliminary intervention for trauma, stress and grief

•  Minor medical interventions, such as rash and wound care, vaccinations and ear canal cleaning

•  Treatment of respiratory infections 

•  HIV and Hepatitis C rapid testing

•  Referrals for ongoing services at SFCHC and other community-based entities

The program was made possible by a $900,000 grant from Providence Health Services’ community benefits program and additional in-kind support.

SFCHC has partnered with North Valley Caring Services, Volunteers of America and Saint Borromeo Catholic Church, and participates in the USC California Street Medicine Collaborative, which aims to address community health concerns before they intensify and incorporate street medicine into traditional health care.

There are around 53 street medicine teams in California, with 14 of those operating in LA County. 

Most street medicine patients qualify for Medicare or Medi-Cal insurance coverage. However, being treated by a street medicine team, rather than a managed care provider, often creates a significant barrier to care. 

The California Department of Health Care Services is creating a pathway for street medicine teams to serve as direct access providers, a solution that can expand the delivery of primary care and reduce emergency room visits.

“Street medicine helps break down health inequities by connecting with individuals and families who are living with the complexities of homelessness,” said Lennartz. “By bringing healthcare directly to those on the streets, we are addressing immediate medical needs, fostering relationships of trust and paving the way for lasting change.”

For more information, contact William Garcia, program coordinator and case manager, at 747-832-0211 or wgarcia@sfchealthcenter.org.

Stacy Geere is a consultant for SFCHC.