ZVMS Street Medicine:
Advocating for Change
ZVMS Street Medicine:
Advocating for Change
Advocacy Efforts of ZVMS Street Medicine
ZVMS Street Medicine is currently advocating for the following changes in systems and processes that affect the healthcare that people experiencing homelessness receive:
- Developing recuperative care/medical respite services in Olmsted County
- Centering the voices and input of people with direct experience of unstable housing
- Improving hospital discharge processes
Recuperative Care/Medical Respite
On January 1, 2024, recuperative care (called “medical respite” in many other states) became a Medicaid-supported service in Minnesota. ZVMS was part of the legislative efforts to pass the bill.
In January 2024, ZVMS Street Medicine, community partners, and individuals with direct experience of homelessness began planning the development of recuperative care in Olmsted County. Our planning included visits to existing medical respite programs in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth.
In August 2024, we welcomed our first guest in the current pre-pilot phase of recuperative care development.
Incorporating People with Lived Experience
During our recuperative care planning with individuals with direct experience of homelessness, we realized the potential of the group to help plan other activities in our community. Together, we created The TABLE, The Team of Advisors Bringing Lived Experience.
The TABLE is an organized group of people with lived experience of homelessness who provide input on projects, programs, and policies.
Discharge Improvement
ZVMS Street Medicine’s efforts to improve the hospital discharge process for patients experiencing unstable housing began with three Community Engagement Studio (CES), facilitated by Mayo Clinic CCaTS. We wanted to understand the current situation, barriers, and opportunities.
On July 19, 2023, we held our first CES at the Rochester Community Warming Center with nine community partners from shelters and permanent supportive housing.
On October 13, 2023, we held our second CES with individuals with direct experience of unstable housing.
On December 4, 2023, our third CES included members of the Mayo Clinic discharge committee.
We thank our community partners, colleagues with lived experience, and the Mayo Clinic discharge committee for contributing their ideas and experiences to help improve discharge procedures for our unhoused neighbors.
Interested in Street Medicine?
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Inspired by the work of
Dr. Withers, the founder of the
Street Medicine Institute?
Learn more about the
Street Medicine Institute here