Health plan seeks two additional city partners for programs to launch in spring 2024 and calls for providers to join the innovative effort to deliver community-based care
ORANGE, Calif. (October 17, 2023) — After the successful launch of a Street Medicine Program in the City of Garden Grove, CalOptima Health’s Board of Directors approved a process to expand to two additional Orange County cities and identify providers to deliver the services. The Board’s action anticipates that Street Medicine Programs will launch in the selected new cities in spring 2024. The $10 million expansion is part of CalOptima Health’s ongoing investment in homeless health initiatives.
“The positive medical impact on our Street Medicine population in Garden Grove has been inspirational,” said Michael Hunn, CEO of CalOptima Health. “Engaging people experiencing homelessness on their own terms and where they are creates the trust needed to deliver transformative health care and supportive services.”
CalOptima Health has opened a Notice of Interest Opportunity for cities to respond to questions and supply a letter of support from the city manager. The portal is open for submissions until 5 p.m. on November 8.
Furthermore, CalOptima Health is seeking additional experienced providers capable of implementing Street Medicine Programs. Interested providers can look for CalOptima Health to release a Request for Proposal (RFP) in December 2023.
“Our Street Medicine Program reflects CalOptima Health’s mission focused on excellence and dignity. We not only meet members’ immediate medical and mental health needs through innovative community-based care, but we also help them find a way to regain their long-term health by becoming housed,” said Kelly Bruno-Nelson, Executive Director of Medi-Cal/CalAIM. “There’s no greater medicine than housing.”
About CalOptima Health
A county organized health system, CalOptima Health provides quality health care coverage for low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities in Orange County, California. CalOptima Health’s mission is to serve member health with excellence and dignity, respecting the value and needs of each person. CalOptima Health serves more than 990,000 members with a network of nearly 9,900 primary care doctors and specialists and 43 acute and rehab hospitals.