Medical Services at City Union Mission

One of our many ministries at City Union Mission is Medical Services.  The majority of homeless clients enter the shelter with many health needs ranging from the average winter cold to severely high blood pressure and even cancer.  Medical Services has the incredible privilege to be the hands of feet of Jesus as we care directly for the physical needs of the clients.  Our desire is to share the love of Christ with these clients as we help to care for their physical conditions.

Medical Services assists several patients every day with over the counter medication, health education, prescription cost assistance, transportation assistance, and referrals to local doctors.  Our nurses currently assist homeless patients who walk in off the street, as well as clients who are a part of our long-term programs.  We work very closely with our long-term clients to help them adequately address their health needs and establish consistent, on-going primary medical care.     

Recently our nurse was working with an older gentleman of our Christian Life Program (long-term program for men).  During his first week on the program, he came to Medical Services for his health assessment and it was discovered that he had severely high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease.  Through the weeks, he has struggled to navigate through many doctor's appointments, medication changes, and even an emergency hospitalization.  As we have assisted him through all of the changes, he is now living healthy again and is beginning to be able to navigate the health system on his own.  

This winter Medical Services has seen a large increase in patient encounters.  In December alone, we had 970 patient visits.  Due to the huge influx of patient visits, Medical Services has run out of several, vital over the counter medications.  We are currently in need of:

• Cold Medication (tabs preferred--easier to hand out 1-2 doses, non-alcohol based)
• Sinus Medication (no sudafed)
• Advil/Ibuprofen
• Tylenol/Acetaminophen
• Multi-vitamins
• Cough drops
• Benedryl/Diphenhydramine

Please consider partnering with City Union Mission to provide basic medical care for these clients.  If you are interested in finding out more about Medical Services and volunteer needs please visit our website HERE.

(Written by Lucy Akins, Medical Services Supervisor at City Union Mission)