$2.5 Million Awarded to Cayuga Health For Launch of Street Medicine Residency Training Program

Cayuga Health has announced they have recently awarded a $2.5 million dollar grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to support their Street Medicine Access Residency Training Initiative (SMARTI). Cayuga Health says SMARTI is a first of its kind program in the region that is designed to train future physicians in providing compassionate, equitable healthcare to those experiencing homelessness.

The award, which will provide $500,000 for the next 5 years, Cayuga Health says will enhance their internal Medicine Residency Program. This will include developing hands-on, community-based training opportunities that are focused on street medicine and care for vulnerable populations. It will also equip residents with skills to address not only clinical needs, Cayuga Health says, but also social determinants of health that impact long-term wellness.

“As a community health system, we recognize the importance of meeting people where they are, both literally and figuratively,” said Judith Griffin, MD, Program Director of the Cayuga Primary Care Internal Medicine Residency. “This grant allows us to train residents in a model of care that prioritizes empathy, access, and partnership.”

According to Cayuga Health, SMARTI is a collaborative effort between Cayuga Health, REACH Medical, and several community-based organizations including Ultimate Reentry Opportunities, Opportunities, Alternatives, and Resources (OAR) of Tompkins County, LawNY, and Civic Ensemble. The program emphasizes care for individuals affected by mental health challenges and substance use disorders, bringing together multidisciplinary teams that include medical, behavioral health, and social service professionals.

“REACH Medical’s mission has always been to bring respectful, equitable, and compassionate healthcare directly to those who need it most,” said Samantha Stevenson, Director of REACH Medical. “Through our collaboration with Cayuga Health and the SMARTI initiative, we’re expanding our ability to ensure every person has access to care that honors their dignity and their goals for health.”

Residents who will participate in SMARTI will work alongside street outreach teams in Cortland, Tompkins, and Schuyler Counties. Cayuga Health says this outreach will help them gain firsthand experience in the barriers to healthcare faced by those without stable housing.