See You Now Podcast

90: Mobile Medical and Mental Health Team

May 30, 2023

Detail

Around the world, people of all ages and communities report increasing rates of mental and behavioral health illnesses. For those experiencing chronic homelessness, those mental illnesses are often compounded by chronic medical conditions and substance use disorders. Without safe, permanent housing and access to primary care, those experiencing homelessness – and often hopelessness – miss needed care, wind up in emergency departments and jails, and never receive the social services that may be available to them. In this episode, we learn from nurse Ashley Sharma, RN and physician Tim Mercer, MD, MPH, of the Mobile Medical and Mental Health (M3) Team in Austin, Texas about their high-touch approach to caring for people facing the triple threat of chronic homelessness, medical and mental health conditions, and how – in the face of clinicians wearing down from navigating fragmented health systems and departing the workforce – this collaborative, integrated care approach strengthens a sense of purpose and impact for clinicians.

Have questions for the SEE YOU NOW team? Feedback? Future episode ideas? Contact us at hello@seeyounowpodcast.com.

Featured Guests
Ashley Sharma, RN
Tim Mercer, MD, MPH




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