City launches innovative street medicine pilot program

During a recent government meeting, the Community Health and Human Services (CHHS) department outlined its commitment to fair housing practices, emphasizing the requirement for all sub-recipients of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds to actively promote fair housing. This includes the mandatory use of fair housing logos and posters in their operations, as well as a thorough review of marketing plans and tenant selection processes to ensure compliance with fair housing laws.

A discussion arose regarding the organizations involved in the interview process for the fair housing plan. Officials indicated that detailed notes from these interviews would be shared with attendees, allowing for further review before a follow-up briefing session scheduled for next week. The plan, which provides a fresh demographic snapshot of the community, will also be integrated into the CHHS's consolidated planning process. Additionally, the housing action subcommittee plans to examine the strategies and actions outlined in the plan over the coming months to advise the city council.

In another significant agenda item, the meeting addressed a $1 million grant from the health care authorities aimed at supporting street medicine initiatives in the community. This pilot program, which involves collaboration with four other counties, seeks to establish or enhance street medicine teams across the state. Notably, Spokane currently lacks a dedicated street medicine team, which sets it apart from the other participating counties. The health care authority will directly contract with these counties to implement the program, highlighting a strategic effort to improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations.