Traverse Health Clinic announced the receipt of a $300,000 donation from Munson Healthcare to support the expansion of its Street Medicine Program. The initiative, which launched in July 2022, is a collaborative effort between Munson Healthcare, Traverse Health Clinic, and Goodwill Northern Michigan’s Street Outreach team. The program 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 additional funds will enable accessibility upgrades to Traverse Health Clinic’s mobile medical unit and the hiring of a full-time community coordinator to oversee comprehensive wraparound services and manage operational costs for the program. Since its launch, the Street Medicine Program has already served over 1,000 individuals.
According to Ed Ness, president and CEO of Munson Healthcare, providing necessary care to individuals experiencing homelessness is crucial in addressing their significant illnesses and chronic health conditions. Munson Healthcare is committed to providing access to preventative services for this growing population in the community. Casey Kandow, CEO of Traverse Health Clinic expressed gratitude for Munson Healthcare’s support and emphasized the importance of partnerships in providing critical healthcare services to the unhoused population.