Elica’s Street Medicine Team

During the last days of February, our Street Medicine team trekked along the levees, rivers, and walked the streets of Sacramento to treat patients.

On February 21st, they went to follow up with a patient and checked her vitals. Elica provides low-cost and sometimes free services for patients who cannot afford it. Serving the underserved means not discriminating anyone, but welcoming everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Next, Elica did a home visit for another patient, who welcomed us into her home and had a smooth follow up. For some patients, transportation is a barrier that prevents them from getting the care they need. With the Elica Suburban, patients are able to be seen by our Street Medicine team.

It was a windy Thursday as the team drove to the Loaves & Fishes area, asking around if anyone needed medical services. Because of the wind, it’s not easy for the homeless to leave their tents, but Melody, our Medical Assistant, makes sure her voice is heard and that people know Elica is here to help.

Melody is one of the few Medical Assistants who is willing to face the elements. Walking in the rain, wind, and cold is uncomfortable to say the least, but these are the conditions our homeless patients face daily. She loves Mobile and Street Medicine and there are many patients who recognize her with excitement in their voices. It wasn’t until February 26th that Melody got a pair of rain boots–prior to that Tuesday–she had been assisting patients in wet socks and shoes! Her commitment to providing care regardless of what’s happening to her is unmatched. To be humble and push through like Melody is an undeniable example of Elica’s guiding principle, “Healing with Heart”.

Not only that, Melody is compassionate and friendly to the homeless. She talks to them with professionalism and respect, treats them with the proper care they need, and makes sure they know that Elica is here to help. In a perfect world, there would be more Melody’s at Elica. But Melody is special because what she does is not easy but what is right and necessary: to serve the underserved, and for that, we thank you, Melody, for giving your 110% every day!
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Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more Elica blog posts.