Phoenix Street Medicine Team Provides Lifesaving Care to Homeless Population
Alfred Handley, a 59-year-old homeless man, received crucial medical treatment from a street medicine team in Phoenix to combat the scorching summer heat. Handley, who has faced discrimination at traditional clinics, found relief through a new program by the nonprofit Circle the City that offers health care to homeless individuals. The organization introduced an IV rehydration program to help protect vulnerable populations from life-threatening heat illnesses in America’s hottest metro area.
Dr. Liz Frye, a leading expert in street medicine, praised Circle the City’s innovative approach to administering intravenous fluids on the streets to prevent heat-related deaths. As temperatures rise across the country, health providers are increasingly challenged to safeguard homeless patients from extreme weather conditions, including both hot summers and cold winters.
The Circle the City team in Phoenix actively seeks out homeless individuals in encampments and on the streets to provide medical care, including IV rehydration, wound care, medication refills, and referrals to specialized services. The organization’s holistic approach aims to address the complex health needs of people experiencing homelessness, who are at heightened risk of heat-related illnesses due to factors such as medication side effects and substance use.
With heat-related deaths on the rise, medical professionals like Dr. Aneesh Narang emphasize the importance of proactive interventions and collaboration between hospitals and community organizations like Circle the City. By offering respite care, transitional housing, and ongoing medical support, the organization strives to improve outcomes and reduce the number of homeless individuals exposed to extreme weather conditions.
Circle the City’s commitment to providing comprehensive care to homeless populations underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address the health disparities exacerbated by climate change and social inequalities. As cities nationwide grapple with rising temperatures, programs like Circle the City play a vital role in protecting the most vulnerable members of society from the harmful effects of extreme heat.
Source
Photo credit apnews.com
