Cayuga Health, a member of Centralus Health, has been awarded a $2.5 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to support the Street Medicine Access Residency Training Initiative (SMARTI), a first-of-its-kind program in the region designed to train future physicians to provide compassionate, equitable healthcare to individuals experiencing homelessness.
The five-year award, providing $500,000 annually, will enhance Cayuga Health’s Internal Medicine Residency Program by developing hands-on, community-based training opportunities focused on street medicine and care for vulnerable populations. The initiative will equip residents with the skills to address not only clinical needs, but also the social determinants of health that impact long-term wellness.
SMARTI is a collaborative effort between Cayuga Health, REACH Medical, and several community-based organizations including Ultimate Reentry Opportunities, Opportunities, Alternatives, and Resources (OAR) of Tompkins County, LawNY, and Civic Ensemble. The program emphasizes care for individuals affected by mental health challenges and substance use disorders, bringing together multidisciplinary teams that include medical, behavioral health, and social service professionals.
“As a community health system, we recognize the importance of meeting people where they are, both literally and figuratively,” said Judith Griffin, MD, Program Director of the Cayuga Primary Care Internal Medicine Residency. “This grant allows us to train residents in a model of care that prioritizes empathy, access, and partnership.”
Residents participating in SMARTI will work alongside street outreach teams across Tompkins, Schuyler, and Cortland Counties, gaining firsthand experience in the barriers to healthcare faced by people without stable housing.
“REACH Medical’s mission has always been to bring respectful, equitable, and compassionate healthcare directly to those who need it most,” said Samantha Stevenson, Director of REACH Medical. “Through our collaboration with Cayuga Health and the SMARTI initiative, we’re expanding our ability to ensure every person has access to care that honors their dignity and their goals for health.”
By combining academic medicine with community-based outreach, the SMARTI program strengthens Cayuga Health’s ongoing commitment to health equity and its mission to improve outcomes for all through education, compassion, and partnership.
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