Street Medicine Clinic Aims to Reduce ER Visits in Cortez

Many people experiencing homelessness in Cortez don’t receive preventative health care. Instead, they visit the emergency room when their conditions become dire, putting a strain on the hospital system. To address this problem, a collaborative group in Cortez is launching a street medicine program, in which medical professionals will bring care to the streets of Cortez. However, to build trust with people experiencing homelessness, organizers want to provide an incentive—like food and clothing—for patients to engage with medical professionals on the street. The LOR Foundation supported the project by providing funding for more than 1,000 meals, as well as socks, gloves, and other personal items for patients to take with them after a visit.