UNR prescreens Street Reach program at Sparks meeting, cites early street‑medicine outcomes
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Summary
University of Nevada, Reno presenters outlined Street Reach, a nurse‑led street medicine initiative offering wound care, blood‑borne virus testing, hygiene kits and referrals; presenters said early outreach engaged 100–200 people and linked clients to treatment.
University of Nevada, Reno staff presented Street Reach, a new street‑medicine initiative aimed at providing wound care, blood‑borne virus testing and linkages to care for people experiencing homelessness in the Reno–Sparks area.
"We take best practices from academic research and translate them for use by community agencies," said Jane Fox, director of the Larson Institute, describing the program as a braided model involving the School of Public Health, the Orvis School of Nursing and the School of Medicine.
Dr. Molly Coking, associate dean for strategic partnerships at the Orvis School of Nursing, said the team’s soft launch and early weeks showed immediate needs: in early outreach the team engaged over 200 individuals, performed seven blood draws for blood‑borne viruses and provided multiple wound‑care encounters. The presenters said they linked several clients to intensive outpatient services and substance‑use treatment.
Presenters cited 2023 Washoe County data showing approximately 1,700 people experiencing homelessness, with roughly 39% unsheltered, and described plans to phase expansion (student involvement and rural outreach) and to use rapid cycle evaluation to refine services.
Council members commended the program and asked about coordination with existing local providers and faith‑based partners; presenters said they already have MOUs and partnerships in development with the Hope team, FQHCs and other community partners and plan to add students to the project in coming months.
