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Statement in Support of Black Lives
At Portland Street Medicine we often say that street medicine happens everywhere. What we mean is, the values underpinning our work are relevant not just in the context of the street, but in relationships, homes, institutions and communities. Street medicine requires compassion, vulnerability, empathy and action. It demands that we find common ground and work together to alleviate suffering and address rampant inequities like racism. Recent events demonstrate how prevalent and deep the problem is and compel us to take action by using our voice to highlight local injustices and contribute to meaningful community solutions.
As we reflect on these tragedies, we return to our core belief that improving the health of our homeless neighbors is emblematic of one of the greatest equity challenges of our time. Black individuals carry an overwhelming burden of health disparities. For Black communities, racism is a preexisting condition that exacerbates chronic illnesses and disabilities and limits access to meaningful and culturally relevant resources like health care. We must do better. In Multnomah County, Black individuals make up only 5.7% of the population, yet this community accounts for 42% of the houseless population. We also know that COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting communities of color, accounting for 43% of all confirmed Cases in the Portland Metro Region.
Portland Street Medicine is dedicated to continuously examining our work through a lens of racial justice. This work is essential, and we have a lot to learn, but we are dedicated to the task. We stand with our Black houseless neighbors as we continue to take action in support of their lives.
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PSM in the News
July 2020 Portland Street Medicine went from zero to 'very awesome' in under three years - Portland Business Journal - LINK
June 2020 Coffee with Monta - Facebook livestream interview with our Executive Director - LINK
May 2020 Portland Street Medicine, other volunteers join effort to avert COVID-19 crisis among area homeless - The Scribe LINK: PG. 14
April 2020 Inside an Urgent Mission to Protect the Homeless From Coronavirus - The Nation - LINK
November 2019 Portland Street Medicine takes health care to the homeless - The Oregonian - LINK
August 2019 Portland Street Medicine provides much-needed services to area homeless people - The Scribe - LINK: PG. 4
August 2019 Doctor finds joy in caring for the homeless in the streets - Legacy Health Systems - LINK
March 2019 If not 911, then who responds? - Street Roots - LINK
November 2018 A donated bike fleet will help Portland Street Medicine expand their reach - bikeportland.org - LINK
October 2018 The homeless crisis: Meet the Portland health care pros taking health care to the streets - Portland Business Journal - LINK
May 2018 Lessons Learned from 4 Months on the Streets - Street Medicine Institute - LINK
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Related News
Want to learn more about the issue of homelessness? We regularly update our Facebook page with resources to keep you connected.
The National Health Care for the Homeless and the Street Medicine Institute offer a wealth of information.
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Statement in Support of Black Lives
At Portland Street Medicine we often say that street medicine happens everywhere. What we mean is, the values underpinning our work are relevant not just in the context of the street, but in relationships, homes, institutions and communities. Street medicine requires compassion, vulnerability, empathy and action. It demands that we find common ground and work together to alleviate suffering and address rampant inequities like racism. Recent events demonstrate how prevalent and deep the problem is and compel us to take action by using our voice to highlight local injustices and contribute to meaningful community solutions.
As we reflect on these tragedies, we return to our core belief that improving the health of our homeless neighbors is emblematic of one of the greatest equity challenges of our time. Black individuals carry an overwhelming burden of health disparities. For Black communities, racism is a preexisting condition that exacerbates chronic illnesses and disabilities and limits access to meaningful and culturally relevant resources like health care. We must do better. In Multnomah County, Black individuals make up only 5.7% of the population, yet this community accounts for 42% of the houseless population. We also know that COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting communities of color, accounting for 43% of all confirmed Cases in the Portland Metro Region.
Portland Street Medicine is dedicated to continuously examining our work through a lens of racial justice. This work is essential, and we have a lot to learn, but we are dedicated to the task. We stand with our Black houseless neighbors as we continue to take action in support of their lives.
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