NYC Street Medicine Program Enhances Care with Portable Labs and Ultrasound

New York City's Street Health Outreach + Wellness (SHOW) mobile initiative has expanded its medical capabilities by integrating point-of-care laboratory testing, ultrasound diagnostics, and blood sampling into its fleet of five mobile health units. This program operates across NYC to serve homeless and unhoused populations, providing immediate access to essential health services without requiring appointments, insurance, or fees. Since its inception in April 2021, SHOW has engaged with over 275,000 individuals, connecting them to a range of healthcare and social services through the city's Primary Care Safety Net clinics. The recent additions aim to enhance the teams' ability to assess and treat patients effectively, breaking down barriers to critical care. Dr. Yinan Lan, Medical Director of SHOW and co-founder of the Bellevue Primary Care Safety Net, emphasized that street medicine focuses on delivering impactful healthcare during each encounter. The use of portable ultrasound devices allows clinicians to perform detailed examinations beyond traditional methods, improving diagnosis and treatment. With new services, clinicians can now conduct rapid tests for COVID-19, HIV, hepati...