SANTA ANA, Calif. — CalOptima Health voted Thursday to expand its street medicine service to Santa Ana, according to a press release.
The street team, expected to begin operations later this year, will directly provide health services with Santa Ana homeless, specifically those facing drug abuse and other illnesses.
City officials, including the Council and City Manager Mario Alvaro have emphasized the importance of this expansion, highlighting Santa Ana’s ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness through a multi-faceted approach. The program will provide urgent medical care and connect individuals with social services aimed at long-term stability, including mental health support and pathways to permanent housing.
According to the press release, CalOptima Health’s street medicine program has already engaged nearly 600 individuals across Garden Grove, Costa Mesa, and Anaheim, demonstrating its effectiveness in reaching those who may not otherwise seek medical assistance. Santa Ana’s high score in CalOptima’s selection criteria was a key factor in securing the program while it competed with three other Orange County cities.
“This expansion is a significant step in our collective mission to support the unhoused with dignity and respect,” said Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua. “With CalOptima Health’s expertise and our city’s resources, we are creating a stronger safety net for our most vulnerable residents.”
CalOptima Health CEO Michael Hunn echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that street medicine is about more than just healthcare—it’s about "build[ing] trust" with individuals experiencing homelessness and guiding them toward sustainable solutions. The goal is to meet people where they are, offer compassionate care, and ultimately help them transition to permanent housing.
To many, this is a welcome addition to the city where several other homeless-reduction programs are already in full swing.
SANTA ANA, Calif. — CalOptima Health voted Thursday to expand its street medicine service to Santa Ana, according to a press release.
The street team, expected to begin operations later this year, will directly provide health services with Santa Ana homeless, specifically those facing drug abuse and other illnesses.
City officials, including the Council and City Manager Mario Alvaro have emphasized the importance of this expansion, highlighting Santa Ana’s ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness through a multi-faceted approach. The program will provide urgent medical care and connect individuals with social services aimed at long-term stability, including mental health support and pathways to permanent housing.
According to the press release, CalOptima Health’s street medicine program has already engaged nearly 600 individuals across Garden Grove, Costa Mesa, and Anaheim, demonstrating its effectiveness in reaching those who may not otherwise seek medical assistance. Santa Ana’s high score in CalOptima’s selection criteria was a key factor in securing the program while it competed with three other Orange County cities.
“This expansion is a significant step in our collective mission to support the unhoused with dignity and respect,” said Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua. “With CalOptima Health’s expertise and our city’s resources, we are creating a stronger safety net for our most vulnerable residents.”
CalOptima Health CEO Michael Hunn echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that street medicine is about more than just healthcare—it’s about "build[ing] trust" with individuals experiencing homelessness and guiding them toward sustainable solutions. The goal is to meet people where they are, offer compassionate care, and ultimately help them transition to permanent housing.
To many, this is a welcome addition to the city where several other homeless-reduction programs are already in full swing.
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