Street Medicine

Bringing Health Care to Where You Are

Not everyone can make it to a doctor’s office — and that should never mean going without care. The Street Medicine program at Health Plus Indiana brings medical services directly to people who are in need but reluctant to come to traditional structures. Our team goes out into the community, visiting homeless encampments and the agencies that serve unhoused individuals, to provide care right where it is needed most.

Who Is on the Street Medicine Team?

Our Street Medicine team is a small, dedicated group of professionals who work together to meet both your medical and personal needs:

• Nurse Practitioner (NP) — A licensed medical provider who can examine you, diagnose health issues, prescribe medications, and create a treatment plan. The NP provides the same quality of care you would receive in a clinic, but in a setting that is easier for you to access.
• Community Health Worker (CHW) — After your medical visit, the CHW follows up with you to address other parts of your life that affect your health. This includes things like finding stable housing, getting food assistance, applying for benefits, and connecting with other support services. These are often called social determinants of health — the everyday conditions that shape how healthy you can be.
• Harm reduction team member — A trained team member focused on reducing health risks, providing supplies, and connecting you with additional resources to keep you safe.

What We Treat

Our Street Medicine team can help with a wide range of health needs, including:

• Infections and wounds
• Chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing and care
• Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) testing and care
• Mental health concerns
• Substance use support
• General health check-ups

You do not need an ID, insurance, or money to receive care from our team. If you need help, we are here for you — no questions asked.

Where We Go

Our team regularly visits homeless encampments and community agencies that serve people without stable housing throughout the area. We come to you. If you or someone you know is living unsheltered and needs medical care, please reach out so we can connect.

How to Get Started

If you or someone you know could benefit from Street Medicine services, contact Health Plus Indiana. You can call our South Bend office at 574-234-2870 to learn more about the program, our schedule, and where our team will be next. You can also ask any local shelter or outreach agency about connecting with our Street Medicine team. Everyone deserves health care. Let us come to you.