Operation Safety Net ®

web site: http://www.operationsafetynet.net

Support Operation Safety Net ® by participating in the Step Up - Step Out program.

Operation Safety Net ® (OSN) was founded in 1992, as an innovative street outreach program for the unsheltered and transient homeless population. The unique program consists of fourteen teams composed of formerly homeless and clinical volunteers who perform medical rounds by walking in the city's streets, alleys and riverbanks each night, visiting those who have fallen through society's "health safety net." The program is effective due to the trusting relationship developed between outreach workers and the unsheltered homeless living in the streets. OSN responds to homeless patients in their own environment - on the street and not in unfamiliar emergency rooms. The program recognizes that the provision of health care to this underserved group requires the creative and responsible redefinition of health care delivery.

Approximately 30 clinical volunteers, consisting of primary care physicians dentists, podiatrists, registered nurses, and paramedics, deliver medical care, support and referral services to the unsheltered homeless. Services are provided in response to patient needs and include:

• wound and infection care
• respiratory services
• foot care
• mental health counseling
• referral to drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers

Prevention measures on the streets include prenatal care, health counseling, TB and HIV testing, and protection from severe weather conditions. A computerized record system and daytime case management staff support all efforts.

Operation Safety Net collects and analyzes multiple outcome measures to improve care and measure its effectiveness. These measures include the overall prevalence and type of diseases; measures of compliance such as the number of clients keeping follow-up daytime medical appointments; the number of clients obtaining medical insurance; and the number of patients referred and receiving treatment from other specialty providers.

Another measure of effectiveness is the number of young health care professionals trained as well as the number of guests, volunteers and community leaders taken on the streets. OSN views the education of students to the medically underserved as an important part of community building. Aspiring physicians and nurses have been drawn from all over the United States. These students present a high set of goals, yearning for the experience of service, and destined to become leaders in health care to the poor.

The OSN program and staff have been widely recognized for their work with the homeless community. More than 22 local and national health and community awards have been received. The program has been featured in numerous newspapers, publications and local and national news programs.

For further information please call our 24-hour number at: 412-232-5739

Operation Safety Net ® has been registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, 2003.