NYC Health + Hospitals staff operating the Street Health Outreach and Wellness (S.H.O.W.) mobile unit have completed more than 233,000 community engagements across New York City since the program launched in 2021. Serving unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness, the initiative deploys eight mobile units staffed by medical professionals, including registered nurses, physicians, paramedics, peer counselors like Andre Jordan, and addiction counselors like Jose Capo.
Role of S.H.O.W. Mobile Units in Mott Haven
Operating in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx, specialists like Andre Jordan and Jose Capo provide primary care, harm reduction services, behavioral health support, and connections to housing and substance use treatment. Jordan begins his days on the mobile unit reviewing schedules to navigate the bustling community. According to Jordan, his personal background with substance use, incarceration, homelessness, depression, and anxiety allows him to self-identify with patients and motivate those struggling with psychiatric issues. Jose Capo, an addiction counselor, notes that many individuals face apprehension due to past broken promises from various organizations and agencies.
The mobile units deliver vital material goods alongside clinical care. Program data shows that S.H.O.W. units have distributed 69,000 medical and hygienic resources across New York City. These supplies include fentanyl test kits, Narcan kits, Xylazine test strips, hygiene bags, socks, and meal packages.
Did You Know? NYC Health + Hospitals operates eight S.H.O.W. mobile units across the city, which have collectively completed over 233,000 engagements with unsheltered individuals since the program’s launch in 2021.
Addressing the Tranq Crisis and Providing Street-Level Care
Street outreach teams frequently encounter severe health emergencies tied to the local drug supply. According to Jose Capo, a major challenge in the community involves individuals mixing fentanyl with xylazine, a horse tranquilizer commonly known as “Tranq.” Injecting this mixture can cause severe wounds that lead to rotting tissue and potential amputation. To combat this, specialists regularly check in on affected individuals to provide wound care directly on the street.
Treading paths outside traditional clinical spaces like hospitals and nursing homes, Jordan and Capo conduct wellness checks at locations such as a homeless encampment near the 138th Street bridge. Capo, who is bilingual, communicates in Spanish with residents to offer shelter connections and medical care at nearby NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln. While some encampments are cleared for unknown reasons—leaving staff to wonder about the safety of displaced residents—the team successfully connects chronically homeless patients to safety net clinics and partner organizations like Bronx Works, which places individuals at their Safe Haven Hunts Point location.
Patient Success Stories and Ongoing Outreach
Outreach efforts often yield positive health outcomes for community members managing chronic conditions or substance use disorders. Luis, a patient who struggled with opioid use, recently updated Jordan and Capo on his progress. According to the mobile unit team, Luis has successfully abstained from opioids while following a buprenorphine treatment plan and recently underwent surgery at Lincoln Hospital to address knee impediments.
Despite encountering challenges such as sudden housing loss and client hesitation regarding shelters, team members continue offering direct contact information and immediate transport options. Capo emphasizes that these targeted interventions remain vital for saving lives among residents who face significant barriers to health and wellness in Mott Haven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does S.H.O.W. stand for and what services do the units provide?
S.H.O.W. stands for Street Health Outreach and Wellness. The mobile units provide primary care, harm reduction services, substance use treatment connections, housing assistance, behavioral health services, community resources, and material goods.
Who staffs the NYC Health + Hospitals S.H.O.W. mobile units?
The units are staffed by specialists including peer counselors, addiction counselors, registered nurses, physicians, and paramedics.
What medical supplies do the mobile units distribute for substance use safety?
Mobile units distribute medical and hygienic resources including fentanyl test kits, Narcan kits, Xylazine test strips, hygiene bags, socks, and meal packages.
What challenges do outreach workers face when trying to connect unsheltered individuals with shelter and medical care?