Portland Street Medicine
William Toepper, MD, Medical Director; Sara Weith, RN, Volunteer; Lexi Olson, LCSW, Volunteer; and Anna Deligio, PA, Volunteer
Portland Street Medicine is a volunteer-driven 501(c)3 healthcare organization that provides basic medical care to people experiencing homelessness, where they live. Our multidisciplinary team offers medical support and begins the process of de-traumatization to those who have not always been welcomed into the modern healthcare system. Our model of care is value-driven: the patient is their own expert. We are there to walk with the patient. Since 2018, we have had nearly 5,000 patient encounters and have had over 150 volunteer nurses, social workers, physicians, and students participate in the program. This volunteer opportunity helps reverse the exhaustion experienced by today's provider who has witnessed the mechanization of today's healthcare systems.
The medical care is often the easy part. Overcoming barriers and negative experiences are the biggest challenges. Through relationship building, continuity and trust we have listened to and shared the stories of those living on the streets, stories that our patients ask us to share. Our folks often feel invisible and unheard. To this end, medicine is less about taking a pill and more about kindness, respect and creativity. The path to wellness does not have a formula.
Link: . https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2893255970932382
The medical care is often the easy part. Overcoming barriers and negative experiences are the biggest challenges. Through relationship building, continuity and trust we have listened to and shared the stories of those living on the streets, stories that our patients ask us to share. Our folks often feel invisible and unheard. To this end, medicine is less about taking a pill and more about kindness, respect and creativity. The path to wellness does not have a formula.
Link: . https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2893255970932382