Research has found homelessness can reduce life expectancy by 30 years. Part of that is due to a lack of accessibility to healthcare. Now northwestern Michigan healthcare organizations are working to bridge the gap.
Munson Health Care, Goodwill Northern Michigan, and Traverse Health Clinic are working to connect people experiencing homelessness to medical care.
Twice a week, a team heads out to provide “street medicine” to the homeless population in Traverse City. They provide a number of services from trauma treatment to pregnancy care
Dr. David Klee is the associate program director for Munson. He said one of the most rewarding things about the program is the relationships they build with the people they treat.
Dr. Klee said the program would like to be able to find housing for patients. He says that’s the first step in improving health.
