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Street Medicine

Public Health, Policy & Planning

San Mateo County Health’s Street Medicine program provides comprehensive medical care to adults experiencing homelessness in encampments, under bridges or overpasses, in parks, cars, RVs and other places.

Street Medicine provides ongoing compassionate, nonjudgmental medical care outside traditional clinical environments to build trust and help patients feel in charge and in control of their health care needs.

Program Details

Field-based teams of health care providers visit locations around the county to provide care to those who need it. Locations include the Coastside, South San Francisco, Daly City, Millbrae, San Mateo, Belmont, Redwood City and East Palo Alto.

The program collaborates with local service agencies to provide hygiene, winter and other essential supplies for basic living outdoors, as well as lunches to those they see, regardless of desire for medical care. Through partner agencies, Street Medicine responds to specific client needs that can range from diapers and formula to wheelchairs and rental assistance.

The program also connects clients to alcohol and substance use programs, field-based psychiatric services, including injectable antipsychotic medications, and referrals to Behavioral Health and Recovery Services for mental health assessment.

Collaborating with veterinarians through County Health’s animal control program, Street Medicine offers no-cost care for pets and service animals, including surgery, tooth extraction, immunizations and other services.

Eligibility & Enrollment

The Street Medicine program supports persons experiencing unsheltered homelessness throughout San Mateo County, living in encampments, under bridges, in parks, in motor vehicles and other locations.