Street Medicine Brings Care to the Streets | Springfield News

Springfield News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Sep 3, 2026 · 2m

SIU Medicine’s groundbreaking Street Medicine program brings primary care directly to people experiencing homelessness, transforming how vulnerable patients receive treatment. With a $2.5 million federal grant and field teams rolling out in June, doctors now visit shelters, parks, and encampments—treating infections, diabetes, and hypertension before crises hit. Instead of waiting for patients to show up, the team builds trust through consistent, even non-medical visits, addressing real barriers like unstable housing and lack of contact info. For patients like Patricia Gaddy, who’s been…