A UB HEALS team member checks on the welfare of a homeless man in downtown Buffalo.
This nonprofit, student-run program is a street medicine outreach initiative whose mission is to increase access to health care among the homeless population of Buffalo, New York.
UB HEALS (Homeless health, Education, Awareness and Leadership in Street medicine) seeks to address the unique medical and psychosocial needs of the homeless population while providing a valuable educational experience for medical students.
Two nights a week, medical students and faculty, in partnership with social workers and registered nurses from the Matt Urban Hope Center, travel on foot or by van to participate in direct street outreach to the homeless population.
The teams are equipped with backpacks of basic medical gear, snacks, blankets and other necessities. When interacting with individuals, teams encourage them to take advantage of available medical services and social services, with the goal of helping them get off the street.
Email: ubheals@gmail.com
First- and second-year medical students are encouraged to volunteer.
Email ubheals@gmail.com for more information.
The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and its student groups and organizations welcome everyone and are committed to an open, inclusive environment. Participation and opportunities are available to all, without discrimination or preference based on any protected characteristic. We comply with all anti-discrimination laws and strive to ensure equal opportunity and a respectful community for everyone. The views or opinions expressed by these groups do not necessarily reflect those of the Jacobs School or the State University of New York at Buffalo.