MISSION
Our Loyola Street Medicine program will address the many health disparities that exist within the homeless population through an inclusive and holistic health approach. We can bridge the gaps between the homeless and medical communities by building relationships and offering accompaniment. Ultimately, we hope to address the unique psychosocial and health care needs among the homeless population, prevent unnecessary ED visits, and minimize health care expenditures. Now, more than ever, it is vital that we continue to provide health and healing to the homeless population, as this is strongly rooted in the fundamental belief that health care is a basic human right.
GOALS
The Loyola Street Medicine program has the following primary goals and objectives, which continually evolve as we strive to meet the needs of our volunteers, our community partners, and the vulnerable population that we aim to serve.
1. Address the many health disparities that exist within the homeless population through an inclusive and holistic health approach
2. Offer quality primary and preventive health services to individuals who may not have access to care otherwise
3. Engage patients with primary and preventive care, link patients to local resources, and provide follow-up care with the ultimate goal of connecting patients to a permanent medical home
4. Break down stigmas by promoting positive dialogue between people experiencing homelessness and the medical community
5. Create a valuable interdisciplinary community engagement opportunity, rooted in experiential learning, for students and faculty
6. Design a comprehensive curriculum to educate healthcare professionals on best practices for working with individuals experiencing homelessness
7. Determine areas for growth through ongoing research on the unique needs of unsheltered individuals and how they can be better served through Street Medicine
VISION
To treat the physical and emotional ills facing those experiencing homelessness. To stand in solidarity with the suffering. To shed light on the dignity of those most often overlooked by working together for healing and wholeness.