Publications
Insights, research, and real-world findings that inform data-driven public health strategies and support effective decision-making.
Utilization of street-based COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Phoenix’s homeless population
The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a highly contagious viral illness that has caused the most significant global health crisis in recent human history. Individuals experiencing homelessness represent one of the more vulnerable populations for COVID-19 infection and morbidity. Amongst individuals experiencing homelessness in Phoenix, a student-led interprofessional organization called Street Medicine Phoenix (SMP) sought to both reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and morbidity/mortality related to infection.
Mpox Case Reports in an Urban Homeless Population and a Proof of Concept for a Street-Based Mobile Mpox Vaccination Clinic
Mpox is a new public health outbreak that particularly threatens the homeless population. Street Medicine Phoenix (SMP) is a student-led interprofessional volunteer organization that provides medical care and other essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Phoenix, Arizona.
Education without walls: Using a street medicine program to provide real-world interprofessional learning
Interprofessional education (IPE) is a core component of the curricula for many healthcare and social work training programs and has been shown to increase student self-efficacy, communication skills, and attitudes toward other professions. Street medicine programs expand options for teaching interprofessional, team-based care of vulnerable populations, such as those experiencing homelessness.
Engaging health professions students in community-based service learning through the design of a needs assessment survey
Interprofessional student participation in community based service learning projects is critically important for the preparation of future health professionals to care for underserved and vulnerable populations. This study describes the stepwise approach taken to guide students launching a new street medicine program in developing and administering a needs assessment survey and is generalizable to other student-led service learning outreaches.
Improving health professionals’ and learners’ attitudes towards homeless individuals through street-based outreach
Our findings suggest that integrating street medicine programmes into curricula for health and social care programmes can reduce the stigma towards individuals experiencing homelessness, inspire increased commitment to practising in underserved communities and meet the unmet health and social needs of the homeless population.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Depression among Homeless Young Adults: A Social Determinants of Health Perspective
Homeless young adults (HYAs) face disproportionately high rates of depression, influenced in part by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Using survey data from 205 HYAs in Phoenix, this study examined the relationship between ACEs and depression outcomes. Findings showed high levels of both ACE exposure and depression, with ACEs significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms. These results highlight the compounded impact of early trauma on mental health among vulnerable populations.